autumn trees at Mottisfont

Recently we made use of a brief window in the dreadful weather to visit Mottisfont Abbey, where we found superb autumn colours, and the largest plane trees in England, shedding golden pools of leaves. We went to see an exhibition of contemporary paintings of trees, as well as the permanent art collection.

Also this sculpture made from a circle of living trees, and an inner circle of upside down trees embellished with gold leaf. 

These look as though they should be part of some druid ritual, beautiful and mysterious.

In another corner of the garden is this mosaic by Boris Anrep, who was the lover of Maud Russell who owned Mottisfont in the forties. She has Maud's face above the glowing robes.

Opposite the angel, in a little niche, is this dainty tree.

We have visited Mottisfont lots of times, but never noticed this hidden mosaic. Lovely to find such unexpected vibrant colours on a grey day.

We all need an injection of beauty, especially at the low point of the year.