More than 120 paintings by artist Andrew Festing, known above all for his portraits of the Royal Family, are being auctioned to raise funds for the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT).
A fellow and former president of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, Mr Festing has painted more than 750 portraits, including paintings of the late Queen Elizabeth II, during a career spanning more than 40 years. Alongside his portraits, he has painted landscapes, still lifes, and self-portraits, often for friends and family, but also for his own enjoyment and practice.
Now 120 of these, from his personal collection, are available to be purchased through his Studio Sale in aid of the GWCT.
Mr Festing grew up near Tarset in Northumberland and still lives in the area. The collection features many landscapes local to the north east of England, as well as scenes from other parts of the world that he has visited on his travels. The sale also includes portrait studies of former sitters including HRH The Princess Royal and HRH Princess Alexandra.
Commenting on the sale, Mr Festing said: “I have always been intrigued by studio sales. They provide a window on an artist’s creative process and the subject matter that interests them on a personal level.
“I am continuously inspired by the landscape around me and feel that there is an ever greater need to protect Britain’s countryside. The work carried out by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is vital, not only to preserving our rural way of life but also restoring biodiversity and helping nature recover.
“This sale is an opportunity to support the GWCT’s ongoing scientific research and educational support programmes.
“Throughout my career, the British countryside, its plants and its animals has provided me with endless inspiration for the painting I have done in my spare time. It has been a great source of pleasure to me all my life and I hope that future generations can continue to experience the nature and wildlife that surrounds us.”
An exhibition, where potential buyers can view Andrew Festing’s works, is being held at Capheaton Hall in Northumberland. Two public viewings are taking place later this month on Friday 19 September, between 10am and 4pm, and Saturday 20 September, between 10am and 1pm. The online auction closes at 6pm on Wednesday 24 September.
The GWCT would like to thank Andrew Festing and his family for their generosity and support.
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 more than 60 post-doctoral scientists and 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 also has a dedicated professional advisory service to make sure that the results of its research are easily available to farmers, landowners, gamekeepers, and others delivering practical conservation.
For information, contact:
Eleanor Williams
Telephone: 07592 025476
Email: ewilliams@gwct.org.uk