CONTEMPORARY artist Bob and Roberta Smith has teamed up with The National Trust to hold free painting schools under the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Tree.

The next free art classes will take place tomorrow (20) during the Tolpuddle Festival weekend. The schools are part of a series of events this summer to celebrate the Tree, famous for sheltering under its branches the six agricultural labourers who became known as the Tolpuddle Martyrs.

The tree was given to the Trust to look after in 1934. Now 320 years old, it was for the events of 1833-34 that it is known today, when six labourers met to discuss their poor wages and living conditions. The men were arrested in 1834 for swearing a secret oath and transported to Australia. Their case provoked a huge public outcry and the six were eventually pardoned and returned home, though only one man settled back in Dorset.

The tree is being celebrated this year as part of the Trust’s People’s Landscapes programme, which marks places where people came together to create change. It is thanks to public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and with additional support from Art Fund that artist Bob and Roberta Smith has been commissioned to work with the Trust at Tolpuddle.

Bob held two art schools for students from The Thomas Hardye school in Dorchester and Wey Valley School in Weymouth, last month. The students painted portraits on placards of people, some of whom are imprisoned today for their art. Members of the public also joined another art class to learn to paint the tree.

All the work is to be exhibited alongside Bob’s own artwork in a special exhibition, Paint Freedom, at Shire Hall this summer from 26 July to 6 September. The artwork created so far in the project will also be on display during the Tolpuddle Festival weekend.

Sophie Bull, who is co-ordinating the project for the National Trust, said: “The paint schools for students and members of the public were fully booked and were fantastic last month. Bob is a great teacher who inspired students and adults alike.

“We are very fortunate he has agreed to hold two more art schools on Saturday 20 July to give more people the chance to work with and learn from him.“We hope these art classes will help bring the history of the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Tree to life.”

The art classes will run from 10.45am to 1pm, and 2.30pm to 4.45pm on Saturday, July 20. The National Trust is also organising a walk to Dewlish on Saturday 20 July, in the footsteps of the Tolpuddle Martyrs.The guided walk, accompanied by folk singers, will start at the Old Chapel in Tolpuddle at 2pm. The art school is free but booking essential. See website nationaltrust.org.uk/hardys-cottage for more details and booking.

More information about the events can be found at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardys-cottage