What’s On

Zoologist, illustrator and camouflage expert Hugh B Cott (1900-1987), looked at nature with a naturalist’s curiosity, an artist’s eye and a military mindset. This is a unique exhibition of Cott’s work, highlighting a life of exploration and observation, recorded in drawings, writings and photographs.

An illustrated talk by Katrina van Grouw

When Charles Darwin contemplated how best to introduce his controversial new theory of evolution to the general public, he chose to compare it with the selective breeding of domesticated animals. In her new book, Unnatural Selection, marking the 150th anniversary year of Darwin’s great work on domesticated animals Variation under Domestication, author and illustrator Katrina van Grouw explains why this analogy was more appropriate than even Darwin had realised. Artificial selection is, in fact, more than just an analogy for natural selection – it’s the perfect example of evolution in action. A fascinating evening for all.
Katrina has work in the Nature in Art collection and has had a solo exhibition of her work at Wallsworth Hall. She inhabits that no-man’s land slap bang between art and science. She holds degrees in fine art and natural history illustration, and is a former curator of ornithological collections at a major national museum. She’s a self-taught scientist with a passion for evolutionary biology and its history. After a long and varied career on both sides of the art/science divide she now devotes her time exclusively to her books. See her as artist in residence September 25th – 30th. 

The first out-of-London showing of the very latest exhibition of images from the British Wildlife Photography Awards, celebrating the beauty and diversity of British wildlife and the talent, artistry and determination of the photographers who created them. A fantastic book of the competition (pictured) is available in our shop SEE THE WINNERS HERE

Mountains of the Moon – An illustrated talk by Steve Russell

The Ugandan Rwenzori Mountains with their glaciers, rocky outcrops and unique varieties of plants and animals are like nowhere else on Earth. This range was first photographed in 1906, when Italian photographer Vittorio Sella accompanied the Duke of Abruzzi, on an expedition. Described as being more of a challenge to climb than Kilimanjaro and situated between Uganda and the DRC in a region not always freely accessible, the Rwenzoris are under-explored and have been professionally photographed only very rarely since Sella’s time. This summer marked the third and ultimately successful attempt by Steve and two companions to climb up into the high regions, to document and record the flora, fauna and spectacular landscapes. Steve’s images reveal incredible scenes, from the mossy lower slopes to the high regions where the glaciers have retreated, exposing stark views of the bare rock.

Steve has many awards and accolades for his photography and books. He has been a finalist in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year, The Travel Photographer of the Year, Hassleblad Masters Competition, Epson Pano Awards and others. One his photines is in the Nature in Art collection.

Join us for a Christmas celebration with an evening of festive music, readings and carols with the Gloucester and District Christian Choir. Mince pies and mulled wine included in the buffet. An evening not to be missed with an enthusiastic group of local community singers under their Musical Director, Pamela Dewick.

All the latest winners in the world’s most prestigious wildlife photography competition organised by The Natural History Museum, London. Chosen from 45,000entries from 95 countries, these amazing images reflect nature’s beauty, diversity and fragility.

GSBI was founded 25 years ago by teacher, botanist, writer and illustrator, Michael Hickey.GSBI specialises in botanical illustration as distinct from flower painting. It includes a number of RHS medal winners. This show includes works in pencil, ink and watercolour.Meet members every day.

Join members of the Cotswold Astronomical Society to spend an evening of stargazing from the grounds of Wallsworth Hall. If you have your own equipment,please bring it with you. If not, you will be able to use equipment provided. Coffee shop open to buy drinks etc. from 6.30pm. If the weather is cold, wrap up warm!2019 is the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, so local astronomer Peter Cadogan will finish the evening with a talk celebrating that mission.
Doors open 6.30pm to buy snacks from Coffee shop and view the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition. Stargazing at 7.30pm followed by talk.

PLEASE BOOK TICKETS IN ADVANCE 01452 731422. Thank you.

An illustrated talk by wildlife photographer Michael Leach
Michael tells of his time high in the forest with the mountain gorillas of Rwanda,gathering first-hand material for his book – Faces in the Mirror. There are now only around 800 individuals left on earth – here we meet an entire family group, from new born baby to the silverback. He explains how to get close to these charismatic characters and demonstrates how to communicate with the gentle, intelligent primates that we have pushed to the edge of extinction. Michael has worked all his life in nature photography. His stunning images have been used in over 80countries and published in over 1000 books.
Doors open 7.00pm to view the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.Finger buffet 7.30pm. Finish 9.30pm.

PLEASE BOOK TICKETS IN ADVANCE – Call 01452 731422