Wildlife Art of the 20th Century

A new exhibition at WLT Art Gallery

EXHIBITION CASTS LIGHT ON PERIOD OF ARTISTIC CHANGE

A new exhibition at World Land Trust art gallery reflects dramatic developments in wildlife art, from the scientific drawings of the 19th century and early 20th century to the freer, more personal artistic styles of the mid to late 20th century.

It was the sporting artists of the late 19th century who initiated the transition away from technical illustration towards paintings of wildlife in its natural habitat. Their innovation paved the way for great changes in style, presentation and artistic interpretation of wildlife art in the 20th century.

The years after the Second World War saw a rapid growth in interest in the conservation of the countryside, which was reflected by the number of artists choosing to paint wildlife subjects. This development led eventually to the creation in 1965 of the Society of Wildlife Artists, which became very influential in promoting new ideas.

Gone were the analytical images of museum specimens. In their place came studies and sketches of living animals made by artists working in the field. Habitat and the environment gradually became more and more important, giving artists the freedom to create their own unique styles.

Paintings on display in the exhibition, Wildlife art of the 20th Century, are by influential wildlife painters who have inspired – and continue to inspire – many wildlife artists working today.

Works are by Archibald Thorburn (1860-1935), Eric Ennion (1900-1981), R B Talbot Kelly (1896-1971), Allen W Seaby (1867-1953), D M Henry (1919-1977), Donald Watson (1918- 2005), Winifred Austen (1876-1964) and Robert Hainard (1906-1999) and others.

World Land Trust manages WLT art gallery in partnership with the Wildlife Art Gallery, Lavenham. Wildlife art of the 20th Century has been curated by artist Andrew Haslen, who runs the Lavenham gallery with his daughter Amie, also an artist.

EXHIBITION DETAILS

Wildlife art of the 20th Century opens at World Land Trust art gallery in Halesworth on 4 October and runs until 25 October 2014.

The gallery will be open during the first weekend of the exhibition, 4/5 October, 11am-4pm. Thereafter the gallery will be open Monday to Saturday, 10am-4pm.

From Sunday 21 September pictures can be viewed online at worldlandtrust.org/gallery and all works are for sale. Purchased artworks can be collected after 25 October 2014.

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NOTES

World Land Trust is an international conservation charity that raises funds to purchase and protect critically threatened tropical forests and other vital wildlife habitats. The Trust has its headquarters in Halesworth in Suffolk and celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2014. WLT’s patrons are Sir David Attenborough OM CH FRS, David Gower OBE & Chris Packham. Registered charity number 1001291. www.worldlandtrust.org

World Land Trust art gallery is at Blyth House, Bridge Street, Halesworth. The gallery provides a small income for the Trust’s charitable work and is open Monday to Saturday 10am–4pm. www.worldlandtrust.org/gallery

The Wildlife Art Gallery in Lavenham, was established in 1988 and over the past 25 years has organised and promoted many exhibitions by the country’s leading wildlife artists as well as exhibitions by influential artists of the 20th century. www.wildlifeartgallery.com

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