A Walk on the Wild Side at Slimbridge

Until 17 July – Don’t miss the chance to see an array of stunning wildlife sculptures along the trail at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, on loan from top artist Hamish Mackie.

While Slimbridge Wetland Centre has long been one of Gloucestershire’s favourite wildlife centres, anyone visiting this summer can be forgiven for mistaking the grounds for the great plains of Africa or the wild mountains of Scotland – thanks to the incredible life-sized wildlife sculptures exhibited amongst the roaming ducks and geese.

Hamish Mackie – one of Britain’s most popular wildlife sculptors who works in silver and bronze – has loaned 25 stunning sculptures of mammals and birds to Slimbridge Wetland Centre in a fitting exhibit for 2009 – the centenary year of WWT’s founder Sir Peter Scott, who was also renowned for combining his love of wildlife and art.

‘It is wonderful to have such prestigious work exhibited at WWT Slimbridge and remarkable to see the sculptures among such fitting surroundings and wildlife. The quality of this work is exceptional; Hamish really manages to capture the essence of the wildlife he sculpts. Some of the pieces are so life-like you feel as though you’re being watched as you walk through the grounds,’ said Veronica Morriss from Slimbridge Wetland Centre.

Hamish, who grew up on a livestock farm in Cornwall, has been sculpting professionally since 1996. He has works in private and public collections around the world and his public commissions include work for The National Trust, RSPCA and Woburn Abbey.

‘I am honoured to exhibit my work at WWT Slimbridge. Wildlife and birds has always been a passionate subject for me and I have sculpted a kingfisher and an avocet especially for the exhibition, both cast in bronze. It will be interesting to see the response from Slimbridge visitors, especially the more dedicated bird watchers,’ said artist Hamish Mackie.

Event: A Walk on the Wild Side
Venue: Slimbridge Wetland Centre
Date: Tuesday 2 June to Friday 17 July 2009
Times: Normal opening hours apply
Tickets: For more information call Slimbridge Wetland Centre on (01453) 891900 or visit wwt.org.uk directly.

SoGlos.com
7 June 2009