Vic Reeves auctions artwork in aid of ring ouzels in the Peak District

Posted by Claire Maxted on 04/07/2024

The Peak District National Park Foundation are offering outdoorsy art-lovers a chance to get their hands on a one-off, exclusive charcoal drawing by acclaimed artist and comedian Jim Moir (also known by his stage-name Vic Reeves) – created in the PeakDistrict

If you’ve been following Jim’s latest SkyArts TV series Painting Birds with Jim & Nancy Moir, you’ll have spotted Jim’s visit to the renowned Stanage Edge where he captured the dramatic view in charcoals. Having kindly gifted to us this one-of-a-kind original – as seen in the show, along with a previously unseen sketch of a ring ouzel, there’s a now chance to own both – whilst making a huge difference to the conservation of these threatened birds.

The larger Stanage Edge view is being made available as part of a closed-bid auction, whilst anyone can be in with a chance of winning the striking ring ouzel print through our £10 charity raffle. Both pieces have been generously framed in exhibition glass by Paul and the team at Whitehorse Gallery in Bakewell, meaning even more of your donation will go to help ring ouzels in the Peak District.

An artist, comedian, actor, writer and author, following a hugely successful broadcasting career in comedy as Vic Reeves, Leeds-born Jim has now brought his love of wildlife and art to the forefront, including a second series of Painting Birds with Jim & Nancy Moir on SkyArts. Jim can be found creating pieces in many media including painting, ceramics, photography and lino prints.

Paul at Whitehorse Gallery at Portland Square in Bakewell has generously provided professional framing for both prints including exhibition glass, to ensure they’re ready to mount by the successful winners.

The ring ouzel is also known as the ‘mountain blackbird’. Derbyshire and Stanage Edge are among northern England’s few strongholds for this increasingly scarce and enigmatic summer visitor which specialises in nesting in our upland landscapes. Conservation researchers and volunteers are dedicated to their monitoring and protection each spring and summer in the Peak District.

All proceeds will go directly to projects supporting the research and conservation of ring ouzels on the Peak District National Park’s Stanage-North Lees estate.

To take part and see the full T&Cs click here.

Both opportunities close on 15 July 2024.