Born in 1932 the colourful Lord Bath was educated at Eton, he later went on to take his degree in politics, economics and philosophy at Christ Church Oxford. These two periods were of necessity separated by a two year spell of National Military Service being commissioned to the Life Guards as a Subaltern.
Art was a major influence on the young Alexander Thynn (Viscount Weymouth 1946) having studied under Wilfred Blunt, Oliver Thomas & Gerald Leet at Eton he later went on to Paris and the art scene of the ‘Left Bank’. Here in the early fifties Lord Bath studied at the Academia Ranson under Roger Chastel and Henri Goetz and at the Academia Julien under Andre Planson.
During many years living and working at Longleat the then Viscount Weymouth was able to develop his art and also took up writing, his first published novel being ‘The Carry-Cot’ (published by W.H. Allen.)
In 1992, on the death of his father Viscount Weymouth became the 7th Marquess of Bath and took over complete control of Longleat.
Lord Bath is a Patron of many societies and organisations and ensures that Longleat stays at the forefront of animal conservation. His love of art, writing, and music remains as strong as ever and in 2000 contributed towards the Pantheistic text for the concert performance of the oratorio ‘ Let Us Live This Day’ by Marcus Tilt
David Shepherd is known internationally as one of the world’s leading wildlife artists. He is also a passionate conservationist and he freely admits that he owes all his success to the animals he paints.
Prolific in output as a painter of not only wildlife but portraits, landscapes, aviation, military subjects and steam railways, he is also an author and brim full of stories and anecdotes. David says he is an extrovert who enjoys talking and he likes to be known as a natural promoter and an ardent ambassador for conservation – it’s the way he is.
Pollyanna Pickering is acclaimed as one of Europe’s foremost wildlife artists. She studied at the London Central School of Art, and has exhibited at the Royal Academy. Her extensive range of published work is sold in over 80 countries. Pollyanna designs exclusively for Harrods as well as for stamps and first day covers, she has been commissioned by every major animal charity including WWF, RSPB and the Born Free Foundation.
Pollyanna has won numerous awards for her art, including the Millennium Trophy bestowed by TWASI. Her business skills have also been recognised by winning the Natwest Everywoman Award.
Renowned for her expeditions Pollyanna has painted some of the most endangered species in the remotest parts of the globe. These journeys provide the inspiration for her critically acclaimed books as well as her lectures. In 2004 she was voted ‘Speaker of the Year’
For fifteen years Pollyanna ran a wildlife sanctuary and ‘The Pollyanna Pickering Foundation’ continues her dedicated conservation work. This year she was recognised with major conservation awards by both the World Nature Artists Group and IFAW. As well as TWASI, Pollyanna is patron of several National Charities, including Naturewatch Raptor Rescue and the Wildlife Defence Fund.
After graduation Simon Trapnell worked in industry for five years before resigning to be involved full time in the establishment of ‘Nature in Art’, the world’s first museum dedicated exclusively to fine, decorative and applied art inspired by nature.
For the last ten years Simon has been director of the museum and assisted in putting together an internationally important and still growing collection of works by more than 600 artists from over 60 different countries.
A keen conservationist and campaigner on development issues Simon holds directorships with several organisations including: - Speed to Need Fund (Raising funds for capital relief projects in the developing world) Global Dimension Ltd and The Gloucestershire Development Education Centre.
He is also a Trustee of the International Centre for Conservation Education and with his wife, represents and assists The Environmental Agency of Ghana within the UK. As part of his responsibilities to these organisations Simon has made 20 visits to a dozen developing countries in the last 12 years assessing conservation projects in various habitats.
The Wildlife Art Society was founded in 1992 and has grown to be one of the leading Wildlife Art Societies in the UK, and is growing in recognition internationally.
The basic aims of the Society are the promotion of the wildlife art genre in its own right, whilst providing a focus for the interests of all wildlife artists – painters, sculptors and photographers whether they are professional, serious amateur or leisure artists.
The Wildlife Art Society International is a company limited by guarantee and is managed by a Central Council which is appointed by the membership. The Council is responsible for the day to day management of the Society. Various ad hoc committees are responsible for the organisation of exhibitions and events, many of which are of a local nature.
The Society offers members a wide and varied programme of events throughout the year. These include workshops to help members to advance their artistic skills. There are also opportunities to observe numerous species of animals, birds and other wildlife.
A key event is the ‘Gloucester weekend’. This is usually held in July at Nature in Art, Twigworth, Gloucestershire, and gives members the opportunity to attend workshops and talks given by well known national and international photographers, artists and celebrities from the world of conservation. For more details on current and future events see the calendar.
As well as its pure art involvement, the Society is also firmly committed to wildlife conservation and actively encourages its members to be involved in all aspects of the protection and preservation of the natural world. Wildlife artists have an important role to play in raising public awareness of the need to conserve and protect our wildlife heritage.
As a wildlife art society TWASI is unique in the range of styles, mediums, and perspectives flowing in the veins of our members. Not for us the narrow confines of speciality. We cater for all age groups, all abilities and all views. Our aim is the promotion of conservation through art, be it the classic mediums of oils or water colours, photography or sculpture.
Since the inception of the Society the highlight of the year has been the Annual Exhibition. Around 300 works are displayed publicly each year, and all work submitted for hanging is scrutinised by a highly respected and independent panel of judges with a variety of awards being presented at the closing ceremony.
Interest from overseas continues to grow and the continued expansion of the Society is moving steadily onwards under the guidance of a Central Committee and a small band of dedicated helpers. Both current and new members are urged to assist in the day to day running of the Society, the offer of help, no matter how small is always welcome.
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