National Trust in the New Forest

Steam and wildlife with David Shepherd

Saturday, August 1 2009

Wildlife and railway enthusiasts are in for a treat at Exbury as world-famous conservationist and artist David Shepherd CBE reveals his passion for both at the beginning of August.
The acclaimed artist, 78, will exhibit paintings of his two loves, steam engines and animals, at Exbury.

And he will be the star of the evening on Saturday August 1, when he will talk about his amazing life and work. Leopold de Rothschild hosts the ‘Audience with David Shepherd’ evening, when visitors will not only hear the artist’s talk and see his work, but be able also to enjoy a ride on the Gardens’ steam railway.
“David’s chat shows are very relaxed and informal,” said Mr Leo, who was the motive force behind Exbury’s own railway. “He talks of his own life, including how he almost did not become an artist when he was rejected by the Slade School of Art. He tells of meetings with the astronaut Neil Armstrong and his portrait sittings with the Queen Mother.
“He also speaks of his visit to an African watering hole that turned him overnight into a conservationist.
“We’re delighted to welcome David Shepherd to Exbury and know that he will be hugely entertaining and interesting,” he said.

An Audience With David Shepherd, tickets £22.50 include all day entry to the Gardens, free evening steam train ride, exhibition and entry to the chat show with the artist, wine and canapés on Saturday August 1st. Profits from art sales to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation. Tickets on 023 8024 5750. Exhibition continues the following day.
Woodland Adventures for children August 1st and 2nd.

Visitors will also be able to see and buy the artist’s work in the Engine Shed and in Exbury’s Mr Eddy’s restaurant where a wide variety of limited edition prints, including some iconic wildlife images and rare steam paintings will be on sale. His two original paintings ‘On Shed’ and ‘Over the Forth’, will be on show, although neither is for sale.
The former painting is one close to the artist’s heart – he bought the steam locomotive BR Standard 9F 2-10-0 No 92203 in 1967, named her Black Prince and spent years restoring her to full glory. This atmospheric painting shows her lined up in the engine shed.

The artist and other railway enthusiasts will have the choice of six steam engines to ride behind during the weekend – Exbury’s three engines, Naomi, Rosemary and Mariloo will be joined by visitors Lorna Doone, Ella and an unnamed engine from Exmoor Steam Railway, whose owner Trevor Stirland built all Exbury’s rolling stock.
“We should have all six engines in steam at the same time and will be running a full service on the railway,” said Ian Wilson, foreman of the Exbury Garden Railway.

Children are not forgotten as younger visitors can join in with the weekend’s Woodland Adventures during the day, when the trains will be running at full strength to take them on a ride filled with exciting characters and sing-a-long fun. They’ll enjoy a colouring competition, take part in the summer holiday Family Trail through the Gardens and have the chance to win tickets for the Ghost Train and Santa Specials later in the season.