With it still being difficult to go out to museums and galleries, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust has launched an online wildlife art gallery.
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) runs over 60 research projects alongside educational courses and seminars with the aim of promoting a science-based approach to sustainable game and wildlife management in the UK. They have collaborated with three renowned wildlife artists to create the online gallery during lockdown.
The gallery showcases the work of artists Ashley Boon (whose passion for birdwatching is reflected in his watercolour paintings), Ian Greensitt (best known for his bronze sculptures of game birds and fish) and Rodger McPhail (the illustrator behind the Famous Grouse whiskey bottle label). The project was originally conceived by Boon, a frequent contributor to the Trust’s displays at the Game Fair as well several private fundraising shows for the organisation.
“These days there is so much disinformation being spread, so the GWCT’s sound science is more important than ever.” Boon said. “When all the normal fundraising events were cancelled this year, I thought the Trust needs a permanent online gallery where people can buy something special from the comfort of their homes.”
A recent study by the Institute of Fundraising found that during lockdown charities received an average of 29% less income than they had budgeted for. The GWCT itself is predicting at least a £1million decrease in funding in 2020, making the creation of accessible fundraising opportunities such as the gallery especially pertinent. This initiative is just as vital for artists during this time. The lockdown has resulted in the cancellation of the 2020 Game Fair, Europe’s oldest countryside festival and a major opportunity for wildlife artists to market their work, among many other art shows and conferences.
“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,” said GWCT’s marketing membership and communications director, Andrew Gilruth.
The online gallery can be accessed here. 25% of proceeds from sales via the online gallery and any works commissioned through the website will go to the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust.