The Wildwood exhibition at the Pollyanna Pickering Gallery

For 30 years the much-loved late wildlife artist Pollyanna Pickering opened her private gallery in her home twice a year. Her daughter and business partner Anna-Louise continues to stage two annual exhibitions in June and November, to raise funds for worldwide conservation. Visitors are able to view more than 50 original paintings – many on display for the first time - in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Two additional rooms house Pollyanna's extensive ranges of greetings cards, fine art and limited edition prints, books, calendars, and a variety of giftware featuring her award-winning work.

The gallery will next open for the Wildwood exhibition from November 2 to 10 (10am to 6pm) to celebrate the launch of a brand new book featuring Pollyanna’s paintings alongside the poetry of the late Richard Bonfield, poet in residence for the Born Free Foundation, in a wonderful and fitting tribute to their complementary talents.

Dame Virginia Mckenna with Anna-Louise in the gallery. (Image: Pollyanna Pickering Gallery) Pollyanna previously collaborated with Richard on the acclaimed book Wildness, featuring his poetry alongside her artwork. Following the huge success of the book, the duo planned to create a follow up volume, this time focusing on British wildlife. Richard had already composed a collection of more than 100 poems 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 more than 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. ‘I am very proud to finally bring it to fruition.’

The gallery. (Image: Pollyanna Pickering Gallery) Pollyanna was recognised as one of Europe's foremost wildlife artists - her critically acclaimed paintings and fine art prints sell in more than 80 countries. Driven by the beauty and intricacy of the wilderness, she was renowned for her travels to some of the most remote parts of the world, where she painted endangered species in their natural habitats. She was patron of The Wildlife Art Society International, and Derby University awarded her an honorary degree in recognition of her outstanding achievements in the arts.