Curator Notes

Heathbound 2026 began with a simple idea: to invite a group of artists whose work I love to make art inspired by Hampstead Heath.

As an artist rather than a professional curator, I threw myself into the project in the same way as I’ve made art over the decades – following my intuition, forming unexpected and meaningful connections, and trusting that something worthwhile would result.

There aren’t any big art world theories underpinning the choice of artists (that I know of… of course there probably are…many!). The artists work across painting, illustration, printmaking, photography, embroidery, chewing gum, paper cutting, sculpture and miniature (actually, that was me, a shoo-in).

I honestly didn’t expect that they’d all say yes. But they did! All seventeen of them.

The result – HEATHBOUND – is an art exhibition as fresh as a skinny dip in the Ladies’ Pond on New Year’s Day. Expect to see shimmering hand-gilded aerial views of the ponds tracing the River Fleet, magnificent oil paintings, relief sculptures carved from ancient oak – also – giant ants and heath-bound animal spirits and miniature showgirls in moth costumes – all inspired by a landscape many of us know and love.

Historic Burgh House provides the perfect foil for this unlikely gathering. And where else but London could you admire a Constable of the Heath in a tiny first floor room in a house built in 1704, then pop downstairs and see the same view immortalised as a miniature painting on a piece of chewing gum?

It’s an unusual way to put on a show, a bit loco, a bit daring. Heathbound 2026 may end up being a glorious one-off, or prove to be the first of many. Either way, you’re invited. Welcome!

– Lisa Swerling, London, July 2026