Grove Cottage, the home to Bishops Stortford Mencap, is launching its Animal Magic Art Exhibition and Auction with a family fun day on Saturday 24th September from 1 - 3pm at the Rhodes Gallery, Bishops Stortford.

The exhibition of 20 rare breed and exotic animal photographs by the international award winning photographer Robert Dowling and 20 original paintings by local Essex artist Gerry Jones runs until October 8. All the works will then be available to buy via online public auction which runs from September 24 – October 25, hosted by Sworders, the renowned fine art auctioneers.

The winners of the National Animal Magic Art competition, which attracted international entrants, will be announced on the day and their works will also be hung at the exhibition, signed prints will be sold at the auction.

Natalie Trapmore, fundraising at Grove Cottage, said: 'I am really excited about the launch and it’s a highlight of our 50th anniversary celebrations. The artwork we have is absolutely fantastic, with beautiful eye catching photographs and paintings donated so generously by two such acclaimed artists. I was also thrilled that so many entered our art competition - we had a tough choice choosing the winners from the wonderful entries - I look forward to announcing who they are at the launch. I would like to thank all those who have so kindly sponsored and given support enabling us to hold this amazing event, and I encourage everyone to visit, take a look for themselves and place a bid - all proceeds will make a real difference to the families we support.'

Chris Lydamore, Curator of the Bishop’s Stortford Museum, said: 'I am proud to have this opportunity to support this super local charity and host an exhibition of such interesting artwork – I do hope everyone will pop by and be inspired to purchase a piece.'

Justin Hopwood, Pets Corner, said: 'We too are celebrating our 50th anniversary and are delighted to bring our exotic animals and pets and create a colourful menagerie for visitors at the launch.'

The launch event, kindly sponsored by Mullucks Wells, is open to all and will include the Pets Corner, walking animal helium balloons, face painting, free refreshments and the opportunity to meet the artists.

The Animal Magic Art Exhibition is free to enter and will be open daily between 10am – 5pm, Monday-Friday, and 10am – 4pm on Saturday. The exhibition runs from 24th September – 8 October at The Rhodes Art Complex, Bishops Stortford (see the website for more details). The Auction starts at 9am on 24th September, ends at 5pm on 25th October, visit sworder.co.uk to place a bid. All proceeds go straight to Grove Cottage.

Grove Cottage

In 1966 Grove Cottage was set up as a support group by a small group of families looking for things to do with their children who had learning disabilities. Today as it proudly celebrates 50 years, it provides social and educational activities for over 150 people a week of all ages with learning disabilities through a range of social, performing arts, get active and holiday clubs as well as a nursery, a speech as well as a speech and language programme, residential breaks and respite care.

It costs over £250,000 a year to run Grove Cottage and they would not exist without the support of the community. Although linked to Mencap no central funding is received from them.

mencapgrovecottage.org