Norfolk Wildlife Trust will host a retrospective exhibition of the work of renowned wildlife artist, Robert Gillmor, at NWT Cley Marshes.
Running from Saturday 17 February – Wednesday 17 April, the free-to-attend exhibition will take place in the Simon Aspinall Wildlife Centre at NWT Cley Marshes visitor centre.
Robert Gillmor is one of the country’s most renowned wildlife artists. His striking lino prints and illustrations celebrate the natural world, with many images inspired by the wildlife around Cley, his home for over twenty years.
The exhibition will feature artwork spanning Robert’s entire career, from book covers to stamp designs.
A published artist since 1958, Robert was also co-founder and long-time contributor to the Society of Wildlife Artists (SWLA). Robert’s distinctive prints graced the covers of 73 of the beloved ‘New Naturalist’ book series, published by Collins. His best-known work is perhaps as creator of the RSPB’s iconic avocet logo, designed in 1970.
The birds of North Norfolk were some of Robert’s favourite subjects, along with the local cattle and hares resident in the fields surrounding Cley village. He spent much time at the NWT Cley Marshes reserve and in the hides, creating a number of beautiful linocuts inspired by lapwings and other waders.
Robert was a dedicated supporter of Norfolk Wildlife Trust. After he was commissioned by Royal Mail to design 42 postage stamps of British birds in 2010, Robert and the Gillmor family donated over £21,000 towards a much-needed new mobile hide for use on NWT Cley Marshes. This new hide will replace one swept away during the 2013 tidal surge, and will be installed later this year.
Clare Whitelegg, NWT Cley Marshes Engagement Officer, said ‘We are thrilled to host this retrospective of Robert Gillmor, one of the UK’s best-loved wildlife artists. Robert’s move to Cley in 1998 sparked the creation of some of his most uplifting and inspirational work, which we are thrilled to celebrate as part of the exhibition. Our deepest thanks to Susan, Emily, and Tom Gillmor for their ongoing support.’
Find out more about the exhibition by visiting our 'what's on' section.
Avocet photograph: Richard Gibbs