Keith Shackleton, English painter and television host (d. 2015)

Keith Hope Shackleton MBE (16 January 1923 – 17 April 2015) was a distinguished British painter renowned for his captivating landscape views and intricate depictions of animals. Born in Weybridge, Surrey, his artistic career was deeply intertwined with his passion for the natural world, particularly the remote and pristine environments of the polar regions.

Artistic Journey and Focus

Shackleton's artistic output predominantly featured vibrant landscapes and detailed animal portraits, extending his reach beyond paintings to include highly sought-after limited edition prints. His unique perspective was significantly shaped by direct experience, notably his travels to Antarctica. These expeditions provided profound inspiration, leading to a significant body of work he termed "Polar Art," which vividly captured the creatures and breathtaking scenery of both the Arctic and Antarctic.

Collaborations and Conservation Advocacy

A pivotal relationship in Shackleton's life and career was his close friendship with the eminent conservationist and fellow painter, Sir Peter Scott (1909-1989). Sir Peter Scott, a son of the famed Antarctic explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott, was a towering figure in wildlife conservation, notably founding the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) and playing a key role in the establishment of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The shared interests and values of Shackleton and Scott, both of whom attended the prestigious Oundle School, forged a strong bond. Their joint expedition to Antarctica not only cemented their friendship but also profoundly influenced Shackleton's artistic trajectory, deepening his commitment to portraying and preserving the natural world.

Media Presence and Public Engagement

Beyond his easel, Keith Shackleton also embraced the medium of television, becoming a familiar face to a generation of young viewers. He served as a presenter on the popular BBC children's television programme, Animal Magic, known for its charismatic host Johnny Morris and its engaging approach to wildlife education. Furthermore, he presented the Children's ITV series Animals in Action, which effectively utilised captivating footage from Anglia Television's acclaimed Survival documentary series, further solidifying his role as an advocate for wildlife and its conservation in the public eye.

Recognition and Enduring Legacy

Shackleton's lifelong dedication to wildlife and his artistic contributions were formally recognised when he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2012 Birthday Honours. This prestigious honour was bestowed specifically for his significant services to the conservation of wildlife, acknowledging his profound impact both through his art and his public advocacy. His artistic legacy was celebrated with a retrospective exhibition of his "Polar Art" at the world-renowned Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge during May and June 2007. This exhibition, featuring creatures and scenery from both poles, underscored his unique contribution to art and conservation. Keith Hope Shackleton passed away peacefully on 17 April 2015, leaving behind a rich collection of art and a lasting commitment to the natural world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keith Hope Shackleton MBE

Who was Keith Hope Shackleton?

Keith Hope Shackleton MBE (1923-2015) was a celebrated British painter known primarily for his detailed landscapes and animal art, with a particular focus on the Arctic and Antarctic regions. He was also a prominent wildlife conservation advocate and a children's television presenter.

What kind of art did Keith Shackleton create?

Shackleton specialized in landscape views and animal portraits, often producing limited edition prints. His most distinctive work is known as "Polar Art," which captured the unique wildlife and scenery of the Earth's polar environments, inspired by his own expeditions.

What was Keith Shackleton's connection to Peter Scott?

Keith Shackleton was a close friend and peer of Sir Peter Scott, a renowned conservationist and painter. They shared a passion for wildlife, attended the same school (Oundle School), and travelled together to Antarctica, which significantly influenced Shackleton's "Polar Art."

Was Keith Shackleton involved in television?

Yes, Keith Shackleton was a presenter on two popular children's wildlife programmes: the BBC's Animal Magic and Children's ITV's Animals in Action, the latter of which used footage from Anglia Television's acclaimed Survival series. These roles helped him educate and engage a wide audience on wildlife conservation.

What recognition did Keith Shackleton receive for his work?

Keith Shackleton was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2012 Birthday Honours for his dedicated services to the conservation of wildlife. His artistic contributions were also celebrated with a major retrospective exhibition of his "Polar Art" at the Scott Polar Research Institute in 2007.