Crop Circle Appears at Site of William Nicholson’s Snow on the Horseshoe (1927)

On about 15 May, a striking crop circle appeared in the landscape by Sutton Veny, Wiltshire - the very location depicted in William Nicholson’s 1927 painting Snow on the Horseshoe.

The painting, widely recognised as one of Nicholson’s most atmospheric landscape works, captures remains of winter snows curving gently over north-facing downs. It’s a quiet, contemplative scene, painted with Nicholson’s characteristic clarity and restraint. The location is an area of downland just outside Sutton Veny, now known locally as The Gallops, a short walk from Nicholson's home at The White House.

The recent appearance of a geometric crop formation in the same field has brought unexpected attention to this otherwise quiet corner of Wiltshire. It has also prompted a closer look at Nicholson’s original composition. Comparing the topography in the painting to aerial images of the site confirms the connection.

While crop circles often attract speculation, our interest lies in the direct geographic connection to Nicholson’s work. This discovery highlights how the landscape Nicholson painted nearly a century ago remains a point of interest today.

If you have local knowledge of the area or memories related to Snow on the Horseshoe, we would be glad to hear from you.