Profiles

Pollyanna Pickering was a highly appropriate choice for the East Midlands section of the BBC's Made in England series, looking at some of the biggest success stories from different parts of the country.

Her career in wildlife illustration has seen her win glittering awards, be bestowed with titles and collect the endorsement of famous art fans and royalty.

Currently residing in Matlock, Pollyanna appeared on BBC's Made in England programme to try her hand at a new skill - drawing humans rather than birds of prey or woodland creatures.

Pollyanna talks to Charlie Chambers

But her story begins at Rotherham Art School where, in her first year she won the award for most promising student.

She then studied for three years at the London Central School of Art where she graduated with distinction.

Since then her career has been almost non-stop success with her work exhibited in public and private galleries all over the world.

Celebrity fans include David Bowie and John Hurt and she was also commissioned to paint Her Majesty the Queen's favourite racing pigeon.

Millions of others will know Pollyanna through her books, fine art prints and gift cards which are sold in over 80 countries worldwide.

But her interest in animals stretches beyond just drawing them. For 15 years she ran a registered hospital for birds of prey from her home and she also founded The Pollyanna Pickering Foundation raising funds for worldwide conservation and animal welfare.

She also acts as patron for a variety of organisations including The Badger Trust, Raptor Rescue, Naturewatch and is Honorary President of North Derbyshire RSPCA.

Little wonder then, that this year the University of Derby decided to award her an honorary degree in recognition of her achievements.

You can watch Pollyanna visit art students at the University of Derby using the link at the top. You can watch the full programme on BBC One, 10.40pm, Wednesday, 23rd April and she'll also be talking to BBC Radio Derby's Aleena Naylor from 10am on the same day.