Our Patrons
Sir Christian Bonington CVO, CBE, DL
Mountaineer, writer, photographer and lecturer, started climbing at the age of 16 in 1951, it has been his passion ever since. On leaving the British Army in 1961 he became a professional mountaineer and explorer. He has written 17 books, fronted numerous television programmes and has lectured to the public and corporate audiences all over the world. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1976 in recognition of the previous year's successful ascent of Everest and was knighted in 1996 for his services to the sport. He was appointed Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in the 2010 Birthday Honours for his services to the Outward Bound Trust and appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant of Cumbria in 2004.
Stephen Darbishire RBA
“Living in the Lake District, my love for my surroundings has always been the main inspiration for my paintings. The interiors of cottages and farm houses, sunlight pouring through windows, fires burning in open hearths, tables laid for afternoon tea, vases of flowers from hedgerows and celebrations of the seasons. I paint in oils on board, in a traditional manner, mostly from sketches in my studio, but also from life.” The viewer cannot help but want to step into these lovely works of art.
Stephen designed the original Animal Concern Logo 
www.stephen-darbishire.com
