Exhibition : Born Free : 22nd – 30th June
Date: 22nd – 30th June 10.00am – 6.00pm
Exhibition : Born Free
Venue : The Gallery Brookvale House Oaker Matlock
Derbyshire DE4 2JJ (AA Signposted) Admission Free
We are proud to present an exhibition of previously unseen artwork by Pollyanna in celebration of the 40th anniversary of an organisation very close to her heart.
Pollyanna held the role of Patron of Born Free for many years, and visited several of their international projects. Her artwork raised funds for numerous conservation and wildlife rescue projects. She first worked with Born Free In 1990 when she travelled to the Bhannaghatta reserve in southern India to paint five tigers rescued from appalling conditions in a roadside circus, and flown to this sanctuary by the charity. The story of her remarkable journey to find the tigers is told in the book ‘The Eye of the Tiger’, for which Virginia McKenna wrote the foreword. Pollyanna returned to her original sketches to complete new paintings which will be included in this anniversary event. Virginia also contributed the foreword to Pollyanna’s first book “Giant Pandas and Sleeping Dragons” – both will be available in the gallery throughout the exhibition.
Pollyanna twice visited the beautiful Shamwari big cat sanctuary in South Africa where she sketched rescued lions and leopards. A selection of these paintings will be included in the exhibition, alongside works inspired by Joy Adamson’s original books.
Two new limited edition prints will be launched at the exhibition, signed by the Founder of the Born Free Foundation Dame Virginia McKenna OBE. A souvenir brochure celebrating the work of Born Free, and Pollyanna’s association with the charity will also be available.
Also on display throughout will be Pollyanna’s extensive ranges of books, greetings cards, fine art and limited edition prints, and a wide variety of gift ware featuring her work, including brand new card crafting kits as launched live on television! A sneak preview of next year’s charity Christmas cards will also be available, as will the first glimpse of the 2025 calendars featuring Pollyanna’s artwork.. Pollyanna’s daughter Anna-Louise – also a patron of Born Free – will be in the gallery throughout the exhibition and will be happy to chat to visitors about Pollyanna’s artwork, her books, and the inspiration found on their expeditions.
A minimum of Ten Percent of all sales throughout the exhibition will be donated to The Born Free Foundation’s conservation projects through the Pollyanna Pickering Foundation. Visitors to the gallery will have the opportunity to purchase prize draw tickets to win a unique hand-retouched giclee print. Tea and Coffee will be available throughout.
HOW TO FIND THE GALLERY :
The gallery is located at : Brookvale House Oker Matlock Derbyshire DE4 2JJ – just one mile from Matlock. It is AA signposted during each event. If you need directions please call 01629 558510
What Three Words : /// Loved. Yummy. Farmland.
There is a car park for up to 12 cars – and additional parking available in the layby opposite the entrance, and along the road.
- Road Closure Please note the road to the gallery is currently closed from the Darley Dale end.
- Access to the gallery is from the Matlock side only (past Sainsbury’s). Coming through from this end please ignore any ‘road closed’ signs – the closure is AFTER the gallery.