The Northern Bird-Scape (through the lens and the paintbrush) at Bowlees Visitor Centre

Exhibition: The Northern Bird-Scape (through the lens and the paintbrush), by Robert and Alexander Permain
Bowlees Visitor Centre, 1 May to 24 May 2024

A father and son working in various media have collaborated for an exhibition featuring the many birds that can be found in Northern England, including the North Pennines National Landscape.

The Northern Bird-Scape (through the lens and the paintbrush) exhibition showcases the paintings of Robert Permain alongside the photography taken by his son Alexander Permain and is available to view daily at Bowlees Visitor Centre.

Robert Permain said: “I paint the landscapes and the wildlife that makes our world so special.  This exhibition is based on photos, sketches, and observations (often through binoculars or telescope) showing some of the incredible birds that can be found in Northern England – many from the North Pennines, an extraordinary diverse landscape of heather moorlands, peatlands, dales, and meadows.”

Robert works in different media, but most often returns to oil or acrylic on canvas or cradled board, using brushes, palette knives and anything else that helps give form and texture to his paintings.

Alexander Permain is a keen ornithologist and photographer. His work in conservation with Durham Wildlife Trust and his ecologist role has given him a deeper understanding of wildlife and habitats.

Alexander said: “Wildlife photography for me started in 2016, when I received my first camera – a Fujifilm bridge camera. This is when it all started. My initial interests in wildlife photography were more ‘generalist’, but in recent years my attention has focussed on bird photography along with developing my ornithological knowledge and research interest.”

Both father and son can often be seen together in the countryside, where they search, study, photograph and sketch the birds that inhabit the North Pennines.

Robert Permain said; “The North Pennines is an incredibly rich area for wildlife and the birds we have viewed in this area are remarkable. The habitats of the North Pennines lend themselves to a diversity of birds that enrich the landscape.

We hope that visitors will see and appreciate the beauty of this aspect of the natural world and, when they walk through the hills and dales, they will look out for the wildlife that inhabits our northern landscapes.”

Alexander currently works in the ornithological and ecology sector where he counts himself fortunate to see many of these species daily. Robert is a full-time artist with work displayed in galleries and sold both in the UK and worldwide.

Simon Wilson, Programme Manager at the North Pennines National Landscape team, said: “It’s wonderful to see a family of skilled creatives collaborating like this. We are sure that people visiting the exhibition will be inspired to experience nature at first hand and perhaps even pick up a camera or paintbrush.”

The Northern Bird-Scape (through the lens and the paintbrush), is on show at Bowlees Visitor Centre, in the gallery accessed via stairs, until 24 May, open daily from 10am to 5pm.