It was an art lesson with a difference last Tuesday when Kidderminster College art students were joined by four feathered friends.

Visiting owls from the Midlands’ Bird of Prey Rescue Centre were the ‘subjects’ for the ‘still life’ lesson for the First Diploma students: the Eurasian Eagle Owl, Indian Eagle Owl, the Barn and Tawny Owls were perfect models, who sat patiently for over two and a half hours whilst the students studied their form.

Tutor Mike Flight commented, ‘Birds in the wild are a challenge to capture on paper so when I came upon Peter Collins in Kidderminster town centre with his display of rescued birds of prey, I thought it presented an excellent opportunity for the students’ observation skills and techniques to be put to the test.’

Peter Collins, from the Midlands’ Birds of Prey Rescue Centre, was delighted at being given the opportunity to come into the college, adding that it serves to educate people on these magnificent creatures as well as allowing them to appreciate their beauty.’