Wildlife and Steam on tour at the GWR – 12th and 13th April 2008

Plans are going ahead for this rare opportunity to see some of David Shepherd’s recent wildlife paintings – and some of his iconic work painted during the dying days of steam on British Railways, all in the aid of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.

The twice-postponed show (the first time because of the July floods and the second time because David had been taken ill) happens over the weekend of 12th and 13th April 2008. 

So what’s going on?

Firstly, David Shepherd, who was last year described by The Times as ‘possibly Britain’s greatest living artist’, will be putting on this wonderful show at Winchcombe Station over the weekend. Both wildlife and railway subjects, along with an exhibition explaining the work of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation will be located in the main station room and in a specially-converted Travelling Post Office coach in the bay at Winchcombe Station. The collection includes original oil sketches painted during the last months of Southern Region steam at Nine Elms and Guildford sheds. This is one of the very rare occasions that these wonderfully evocative pictures have been shown together.  The show, open both days, is free although you will be encouraged to make donations to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and to purchase cards, prints – or even an original!

Secondly, you can spend ‘An evening with David Shepherd’ for just £15. Tickets are limited, so you’ll need to book up quickly.  If you previously booked you will be given first refusal. The evening comprises a talk by David at the Flag & Whistle at Toddington station, followed by a trip to Winchcombe on a train hauled by David’s locomotive Black Prince. At Winchcombe, you can have your very own ‘private view’ with David, of the exhibition and enjoy a glass of wine and light refreshments.  The bar on the train will of course, be open too for additional drinks, teas, coffees and other items. Click here to download an application form which should be posted to Toddington station (or apply in person). The evening starts at 6.30pm for 7.00pm.

Thirdly, David’s pride and joy, British Railways class 9F 2-10-0 no. 92203 Black Prince, will be working throughout the weekend.  This is a rather special year for David and his locomotive – because 2008 marks the 40th anniversary of his ownership of the engine.  Built in 1959, Black Prince was one of the last steam locomotives to be built for British Railway and it worked for just eight years before being earmarked for scrap – but David fortunately was able to buy it. The GWR is delighted to be the locomotive’s ‘home’ railway.

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1 - David Shepherd poses in front of one of his iconic elephant paintings
2 - How it was – grimy and unkempt, 9F 2-10-0 no. 92203 slumbers in Birkenhead shed as captured by David Shepherd on canvas
3 - Black Prince proudly carries the DSWF headboard (Ian Crowder)
4 - Black Prince with the Foundation headboard at Toddington (Ian Crowder)
5 - Indian Summer: big cats are among David Shepherd’s favourite subjects
6 - Nine Elms - A well-known painting that captures the mood at Nine Elms depot during the final days of steam.  The Standard class 5 is already condemned; the West Country pacific alongside is in steam for the last time.
7 - Guildford Sheds - Uncared-for and filthy, Maunsell N class 2-6-0 no. 31875 in the satanic gloom of Guildford shed in 1967. This was the locomotive’s last day of service. 

David Shepherd specialises in painting endangered species – and that applied as much to steam locomotives as it now does to mammals such as tigers, rhinos, bears, elephants and dozens of others clinging to the edge of survival. Auction of his paintings contributes significant sums to conservation work. Prints, cards and of course originals will be available for sale during the weekend.

Click here for a short profile of David Shepherd and click here to read a sobering summary of the plight of endangered species during David’s lifetime.  And to find out what the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation does,click here or visit his website.