Pollyanna receives Excellence in the Community Award

Pollyanna is one of the first recipients of a new excellence award from Derbyshire County Council, for her ‘outstanding personal achievement’ which has helped to put Derbyshire on the map.

The Excellence in the Community Awards are an initiative designed to recognise outstanding work and extraordinary achievement by individuals, groups and communities. The Council recognises that there are many adults, businesses, voluntary and charitable organisations throughout the county whose selfless work is helping to improve our communities and the lives of local people and these new awards celebrate this work. The awards also celebrate outstanding achievement, especially artistic, musical or academic success.

Pollyanna was recognised for her remarkable success in her chosen field – the most published fine artist in the UK she represents Derbyshire internationally with extensive ranges of fine art prints, books, cards and giftware exported into 83 countries world-wide. From her studio in a rural hamlet in Derbyshire Pollyanna completes her critically acclaimed paintings, and produces exclusive work for corporations including Harrods, first day covers for the Royal Mail, and stamps for African countries including Benin and The Congo.

She is however most pleased when her work can be used to support causes close to her heart, and work has been commissioned and published by every major animal charity in the UK, including WWF, the RSPB, and Guide Dogs for the Blind. Many International charities have also commissioned work including the RSPCA (Hong Kong) and Second Sight, the American Guide Dogs association.

The award was presented to Pollyanna by Sir Roy Hattersley (left) , the former deputy leader of the labour party, at a lavish ceremony in the beautiful setting of the Dome at Buxton. Lord Hattersley shares a commitment to animal welfare with Pollyanna, and the two have previously joined forces to support the Sheffield RSPCA’s fundraising campaign. Cllr Joyce Sanders, Chair of the Council was there to add her congratulations. The evening was covered by BBC Radio Derby, and hosted by two of their presenters, Andy Potter and Matt Barlow.

“I feel very honoured to have been chosen to receive this recognition in my home county” Pollyanna commented. “I have lived in Derbyshire for over 40 years, and although I have been fortunate enough to travel the world to paint and study endangered wildlife, I feel that I could find enough inspiration within ten miles of my home to paint for the rest of my life.”

‘Tranquility’ Pollyanna’s painting of the River Derwent flowing through Derbyshire