Wildwood Book Launch

“Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks” – Plutarch.

 We are very proud to present the launch of the brand new book Wildwood.

In 2012 Pollyanna collaborated with the late Richard Bonfield, poet in residence for the Born Free Foundation on the acclaimed book Wildness, featuring his poetry alongside her artwork. The book was launched at a sell out event held in Pollyanna’s gallery which saw special guest Dame Virginia McKenna, who wrote the foreword, signing books alongside Richard and Pollyanna (below).

 Following the huge success of the book, Pollyanna and Richard planned to create a follow up volume, this time focusing on British Wildlife.  Richard had already composed a collection of over 100 poems, which he had sent to Pollyanna, when illness prevented him from continuing. Sadly Richard passed away in 2021. Now Pollyanna’s daughter Anna-Louise has returned to this poignant and observant work to select over 50 pieces which she has paired with paintings from Pollyanna’s archive of work – many of which will be published here for the very first time.

 “It has been an absolute joy to compile this book which will stand as the most beautiful tribute to the talents of both Pollyanna and Richard” Anna-Louise commented “Richard was so excited and enthusiastic about their second collaboration, and I am very proud to finally bring it to fruition.”

Richard composed many brand new poems especially for this exciting anthology, inspired by his love of the natural world.  When founder Virginia McKenna invited Richard to accept the post of Poet in Residence she commented “The beauty and vulnerability of nature, the need to live in harmony with other creatures, their plight when we don’t – all this is expressed in the most perceptive and original language in Richard’s poetry”.   The combination of these inspirational, thoughtful and often humorous poems alongside Pollyanna’s expressive and powerful images has created a book which conveys both the untamed beauty and plight of our native wildlife.

We have selected Pollyanna’s painting of a hare in a poppy field for the cover of the book – and this painting will be reproduced as a commemorative ultra-low limited edition canvas to celebrate the launch.  Just five canvases will be created, which will be available exclusively at the Wildwood launch exhibition to be held in Pollyanna’s gallery in November.