AN ARTIST whose work was audaciously stolen from Marwell Zoological Park last year is set to host his first exhibition since the incident in Odiham.

Pip McGarry, who comes from Andover, saw £160,000 worth of his paintings stolen from the popular zoo in December 2016.

But the internationally acclaimed painter will set up a new exhibition in Odiham’s The Frame Gallery, from Friday, April 28 until Sunday, May 19.

The self-taught artist is famed for his paintings of big cats and African animals, which are painted from scenes he witnessed whilst on safari in the remote wilderness of Tanzania, Kenya and Botswana.

Some of his paintings have been sold for up to £80,000 and over 50 of his works have been successfully sold at auction – including at Christies and Sotheby’s auctioneers.

Pip said: “The Frame Gallery is an outstanding gallery and I could not ask for a better location to host my first exhibition since the theft at Marwell.”

Jan Baker, owner of The Frame Gallery, added: “Pip’s exhibitions are always the highlight of our events calendar.

“His work is always popular, and we are hoping to break the record-breaking sales we achieved in previous exhibitions of his work here.” 

An investigation was launched to find out who and how the paintings were stolen. At the time Pip said he was “shocked and saddened” at theft and said: “I am devastated that this has happened.”

He added: “Painting is also my livelihood and it’s a huge blow to lose these pieces, many of which were painted from photographs I’ve taken on safari in Tanzania and Botswana.

“I love exhibiting my work at Marwell and am proud of the long-standing relationship I have with the charity.”