British conservation charity the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) has teamed up with a trio of leading wildlife artists to create an online charity art gallery.
The GWCT Wildlife Art Gallery launched today (24 July) at www.gwctgallery.org.uk with work from Ashley Boon, Rodger McPhail and Ian Greensitt. The premise is simple – original art to suit all budgets, from £50 to £11,000, with 25% of all sales supporting the vital conservation work undertaken by the GWCT.
Throughout the lockdown period, artists have struggled to exhibit their work, with galleries closed and many events cancelled. The Game Fair, a key event for wildlife artists to reach a wider audience, was due to start today and will not take place this year, despite efforts to reschedule it. This prompted Ashley Boon, wildlife artist and long-time supporter of the GWCT through several fundraising exhibitions and his best-selling Christmas cards, to turn a longstanding idea into a reality.
Within weeks, Ashley had convinced two more artists to bring their own unique talents to the project. Ian Greensitt’s limited edition bronze sculptures of game birds and game fish are sought after across the world, while Rodger McPhail is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished wildlife artists working in Britain today for his use of watercolours and oils.
Andrew Gilruth, GWCT Marketing, Membership and Communications Director, was delighted with their support. Andrew said: “When Ashley called me, I thought that this was the perfect time to stand by the artists, many of whom have supported us and donated their art for our Christmas cards year after year.
“With so many events this year in doubt, we have committed to ensuring you can still buy work from some of the most accomplished wildlife artists in Britain. From the safety of your own home, you can now browse and purchase fabulous work in the knowledge that a commission from each sale will go directly to GWCT research.”
It isn’t just the arts sector affected by COVID-19 – charities are amongst the hardest hit. The GWCT forecast a shortfall in funding of over £1 million in 2020, and Ashley saw this as an opportunity to help. “As a long-term supporter of the GWCT, I’m delighted that they have embraced this idea so enthusiastically, and I’m pleased to be able to support their work in this way. I’m looking forward to working with this online gallery in the future.”
If this is a success, each spring, summer and autumn the GWCT will select three guest artists for promotion to its members and supporters.
Notes to editors
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies. The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.
For information, contact:
Eleanor Williams
Telephone: 07592 025476
Email: press@gwct.org.uk