Robert E Fuller summer exhibition, Thixendale, near Malton, May 26 to June 10 (From York Press)

Robert E Fuller summer exhibition, Thixendale, near Malton, May 26 to June 10

10:02am Friday 25th May 2012 in Exhibitions

NEVER MIND the world’s greatest athletes warming up for the 2012 London Olympic Games, Robert E Fuller wishes to draw attention to even faster and fitter creatures.

The North Yorkshire artist’s summer exhibition of wildlife athletes will be on show at his home gallery at Fotherdale Farm, Thixendale, near Malton, from May 26 to June 10 from 11am to 4.30pm daily.

Among the fastest on parade will be the peregrine falcon, a bird of prey that can reach 155mph, making 100 metres world record holder Usain Bolt’s top speed of 27mph pale into insignificance.

“We tend not to pay much attention to the creatures hiding in our hedgerows or perching on our rock faces, but their athletic skills are really something to marvel at,” says Robert.

“In nature, speed is a matter of life and death. Predators sprint to catch their next meal, and prey use equal speed to escape them.”

Robert, whose artistic style is highly detailed and uncannily accurate, will be exhibiting his latest paintings of sprinting hares, fast-swimming otters and hurdle-jumping deer too, as well as bronze sculptures and limited-edition prints.

“The displays will be accompanied by information boards giving visitors details of the incredible athletic prowess of Britain’s wildlife,” he says.

“There’ll also be plenty for visitors to do, including art workshops and bush craft skills for children, and bird walks and talks by professional heavyweights such as Master Chef finalist Sara Danesin-Medio, florist Fiona Hogg and photographer Paul Moon.”

Children can learn bush craft survival skills, such as how to light fires, forage and build a shelter, in sessions for three to seven year olds from 10am to noon and eight year olds and upwards from 1pm to 3.30pm on May 27 and June 10.

Mini Mammal Safaris will offer children of all ages the chance to catch voles and shrews in animal friendly traps on May 26 and June 9 from 10am to noon.

Art workshops will be held too, starting on May 26 with Branch Weaving, age eight and upwards, 11am to noon, and Building A Nature Garden, three to seven year olds, 1pm to 2pm. Clay Sculptures follow on, May 27, same times; Leaf Printing, June 9, same times; and Nature In The Frame, June 10, same times. Sessions cost £6.50.

For adults, events include Night Safaris to find badgers and owls with Robert and birdwatcher Michael Flowers on June 8 from 7.30pm to 10pm; bird watching at Millington with Mr Flowers on June 2 and 10 from 10.30am to noon; and the Wildlife of Wharram Percy on June 2 from 1.30pm to 3pm, when Mr Flowers will find hares and deer at the site of this abandoned medieval village.

Photographer Paul Moon will present a slideshow of his Wolds landscapes on May 26 at 7.30pm; Sara Danesin-Medio will show how she wowed the MasterChef judges in an Italian cookery demonstration on June 3, 7.30pm to 9pm; and Fiona Hogg’s flower-arranging demonstration will be held on June 9, 7.30pm to 9pm. For more information, visit robertEfuller.com

Robert E Fuller’s fascinating facts about Team GB Wildlife

• Peregrine Falcon: top speed of 155mph; scientists are yet to understand how its body is not torn apart at this velocity.

• Gannet: top speed of 100mph; air sacs under skin of its face and chest cushion the impact.

• Hare: top land speed of 50mph; also excellent boxer.

• Long distance champion: common swift, a migratory bird that completes non-stop flight of 300,000 miles.