An exhibition by two Dorset artists has raised £2000 for the county’s wildlife. The money was donated by sculptor Sally Derrick and painter Adrian Whittlesea (see Inset) following their ‘Living with Landscape’ exhibition ofworks featuring birds, animals and landscapeat Southover House in Tolpuddle. The two Dorset based artists, donated10% of all sales to Dorset Wildlife Trust, reflecting their shared love of the natural world that inspires their work.
Adrian Whittlesea studied at the Ruskin School of Fine Art in Oxford and has been a professional artist for much of his working life, including 15 years in art education. He works in a wide range of media, from charcoal, pencil, watercolour to gouache and acrylic. He said: “The landscape and wildlife of Dorset are inspiration enough for any artist, but for me it was an added spur and reward to have the Dorset Wildlife Trust involved in our exhibition at Southover House in November. I intend to develop our relationship and contribute what I can creatively to their work.”
Sally Derrick, who lives in west Dorset, has been sculpting since the 1980s and has exhibited widely, including at the Royal West of England Academy. A wildlife lover with her own wildlife friendly garden, Sally said: “The importance of the work done by DWT in promoting wildlife and addressing the issue of dwindling diversity is something very close to my heart. My sculptures for the exhibition were predominantly the wildlife of our very special county and so it was particularly gratifying to make a donation to the Trust. Michael and Terry Slocock were so generous and welcoming to us and everyone who came to the exhibition and we are very grateful indeed to them.”
Simon Cripps, Chief Executive of Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “We are very grateful for the generosity of both artists for thinking of DWT in this way and also Mr and Mrs Michael Slocock, who kindly opened their beautiful house especially for this exhibition. The money raised will be used to help meet the enormous cost ofcontinuing ourconservation work and the acquisition, management and improvement of our nature reserves.”
For more information about supporting Dorset Wildlife Trust, visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk or ring 01305 264620.
