Exclusive museum exhibition

An exhibition of beautiful and inspiring bronze sculptures created by the sculptor Nick Bibby and depicting extinct species of the Mascarene Islands has gone on display at the Powysland Museum.

“We are honoured and privileged to be able to host this incredible exhibition of beautiful and inspiring bronze sculptures,” said museum curator Eva Bredsdorff.

“The exhibition has come about following a chance meeting with Dr Carl Jones, the inspiration behind the sculptures, at the 2016 AGM of the Durrell Conservation Trust.

“Dr Jones is an eminent conservationist, recently the recipient of the Indianapolis Prize, director of the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation and a friend and colleague of the author, naturalist and founder of the Durrell Conservation Trust, Gerald Durrell.

“Together they have saved several species from the brink of extinction including the Mauritius Kestrel and the Pink Pigeon – both of which have been re-introduced in the wild following a successful captive breeding programme.

“It was Carl Jones who suggested this exhibition for the museum. Contact was established with Rungwe Kingdon and Claude Koenig of the Pangolin Editions sculpture foundry, who were responsible for transforming Carl Jones’ original idea into reality.

“Not only did they give permission to show the sculptures but the museum was only asked to cover the transport costs – a most generous and welcome gesture. Dr Carl Jones has also generously lent a number of items to the exhibition, which were used in the recreation of the species.

“Powysland Museum is extremely proud to be showing this exhibition and it is hoped that visitors will appreciate and enjoy the beautiful and evocative sculptures.

The museum is open weekdays (except Wednesday) from 11am-1pm and 2pm-5pm and on Saturdays between 11am and 2pm and the exhibition is on until March 23.

For further details contact the museum on 01938 554656 or email powysland@powys.gov.uk