Toby Shuall: Horticulturalist and Palace Collaborator on Creative Influences
In a conversation with Wallpaper*, horticulturalist Toby Shuall shares insights into his artistic endeavors and his connection with Palace Skateboards. He characterizes his nursery as a 'massive installation' shaped by the work of horticulturists like James Hitchmough and artists such as David Nash. Reflecting on the skateboarding scene in 1990s London, Shuall recalls his sponsorship by Slam City Skates, which ignited his passion for art. His friendship with Lev Tanju led to his association with Palace. Currently, he is focused on creating drought-resistant plant beds and promotes the importance of well-designed plant communities. Shuall suggests listening to 'Tabula Rasa' by Arvo Pärt and reading Carson McCullers' 'The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter', highlighting that creativity stems from concepts rather than moodboards. This interview is part of a series exploring Palace's creative landscape.
Key facts
- Toby Shuall is a horticulturalist, nurseryman, designer, and artist.
- He has collaborated with Palace Skateboards, founded by Lev Tanju and Gareth Skewis in 2009.
- Shuall cites horticultural influences including James Hitchmough, Peter Korn, Cassian Schmidt, Keith Wiley, Bettina Jaugstetter, Giacomo Guzzon, Beth Chatto, and Olivier Filippi.
- Non-horticultural inspirations include artists David Nash, Paul Noble, Eduardo Chillida, and Barry McGee.
- He was a teenage skateboarder in 1990s London, influenced by graffiti and Slam City Skates.
- He saw Barry McGee in San Francisco and was inspired by Margaret Kilgallen.
- Currently working on drought-tolerant, non-irrigated plant beds and propagating species not available in the UK.
- He recommends Arvo Pärt's 'Tabula Rasa' and Carson McCullers' 'The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter'.
- Stuart Hammond is lead creative for Palace since 2009.
- Interview published by Wallpaper*.
Entities
Artists
- Toby Shuall
- James Hitchmough
- Peter Korn
- Cassian Schmidt
- Keith Wiley
- Bettina Jaugstetter
- Giacomo Guzzon
- Beth Chatto
- Olivier Filippi
- David Nash
- Paul Noble
- Eduardo Chillida
- Barry McGee
- Arvo Pärt
- Richard Skelton
- Rachel's
- Mogwai
- Harold Budd
- Clare Shilland
- Ben Branagan
- Margaret Kilgallen
- Lev Tanju
- Gareth Skewis
- Stuart Hammond
Institutions
- Palace Skateboards
- Slam City Skates
- Wallpaper*
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- San Francisco
- United States
- South Bank
- Santa Cruz
- California