Precious peregrine print unveiled
When members of Higham Ferrers Tourism Committee saw a painting featuring the town's famous peregrine falcons, they knew they had to have a copy.
The painting had been created by acclaimed artist Ophelia Redpath, who used to live in the town, and who had been invited back to give a talk at the recent Arts Weekend, which was organised by the Friends of St Mary's and Higham Ferrers Tourism.
Ophelia, the 2021 Sky Landscape artist of the year, painted the peregrine falcons which had made a home in St Mary's Church Spire as a tribute to the time she lived in the town.
''We loved the painting from the moment it was unveiled at the Arts Weekend and we recently voted to get a print. I am thrilled to say we got the first of 100 prints,'' said Liz Barnatt, Higham Ferrers Tourism's chairperson.
The print was framed and displayed on an easel and unveiled at a special ''Thank You'' evening for local gardeners who took part in the recent Secret Gardens of Higham Ferrers.
Noted auctioneer Richard Barnwell, the guest speaker for the evening, lent a hand unveiling the precious peregrine print, pictured together with Pam Webbley Friends of St Mary's left and Liz Barnatt chair of Higham Ferrers Tourism.
The print has found a home in the town's historic Chichele College and it will be displayed at many future events at this venue.
''We are also planning to get small cards printed of the peregrine painting, the idea being to offer them as gifts or thank-you cards. Ophelia has given us permission to do this, and I am sure there are a lot of people who might want to buy a smaller version of this famous painting'', Liz added.