Wildlife Artist Pollyanna Pickering has joined forces with legendary guitarist Brian May in a new venture to help raise funds for the vaccination of badgers.
One of the founding members of rock group Queen, Dr Brian May is frequently cited as one of the worlds greatest guitarists. He holds a PhD in astrophysics and runs his own animal welfare organisation called Save Me. In recent years he has become one of the most outspoken and passionate campaigners for badgers, opposing the government’s controversial cull.
Pollyanna created a new painting of badgers 'Safe Haven' live on television, which is now to be released as a limited edition print. Brian has co-signed the first 10 prints with Pollyanna. This is only the second time that Pollyanna has released any co-signed images (the first being with the Duchess of Devonshire as part of a project to raise funds for medical charity Nedscan). Pollyanna, who is patron of the Badger Trust, will also complete an original pencil sketch on each of the 10. Pollyanna and Brian are united in backing vaccination of badgers as an alternative to culling as a method of controlling TB, and the proceeds from sales of the limited edition will be donated to projects which are carrying out vaccination programmes.
The limited edition print will be exclusively launched at
Pollyanna's forthcoming exhibition 'Down on the Farm' - a new collection of work inspired by her love of the farms of her home county of Derbyshire – not just border collies, donkeys, sheep, ducks and other familiar farm animals but also the wide variety of wildlife which lives in the fields farmyards including foxes, badgers and barn owls. Over 50 paintings will be exhibited to the public for the first time from November 15 to November 30 in the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere of her private gallery at Brookvale House, Oaker, near Matlock (AA signposted). Visitors will be welcome between 10.00am and 6.00pm each day, admission free. The original painting will also be on exhibition during the event. Also on display throughout will be Pollyanna's extensive ranges of greetings cards, fine art and limited edition prints, and a wide variety of gift ware featuring her work.
