A REMARKABLE collection of paintings by Valentine Stewart Paton (1925 - 2012), a founding member of Cornwall Wildlife Trust (CWT), is to be auctioned in aid of the charity.

Paton was known affectionately as Pat, and his stunning detailed illustrative paintings reflect a lifelong love of nature. His works range from accurate illustrations of British birds to exquisite botanical studies, and his artistic precision and sensitivity capture Cornwall’s flora and fauna in a way that is both scientifically valuable and aesthetically uplifting.

The paintings were donated to CWT by his wife, Jean Paton MBE, who also helped establish the charity in 1962 and is the last living founder of the trust. Together, Jean and Pat contributed over 22,000 wildlife sightings to local and national wildlife recording projects.

CWT is now Cornwall’s leading local wildlife conservation charity – it has more than 18,000 members and 700 volunteers, and manages over 50 nature reserves across Cornwall, including a range of habitats such as woodlands, meadows, wetlands and heaths.

Born on Hayling Island, Hampshire, in 1925, Pat served with distinction in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, then trained at the School of Architecture in London, qualifying in 1951. His career eventually brought him to Cornwall, where he and his wife Jean made their home in Probus.

Pat’s paintings reflect an observant mind and a profound respect for the living landscape, from the intricate plumage of British birds to the luminous bloom of Cornish magnolias. His mastery of form and detail, honed through both architectural precision and a naturalist’s eye, lends his work a quiet authority and gentle beauty.

In the 1980s, Pat produced a remarkable series of 60 scientific paintings of British birds - many of them rescued specimens brought to him by friends, each rendered with accuracy, tenderness and sensitivity.

In the following decade, he collaborated with distinguished botanist Jean on her book Magnolias In Cornish Gardens. Jean’s meticulous botanical research was brought vividly to life through Pat’s exquisite illustrations of 120 magnolia varieties found in Cornwall’s great gardens. Published in 2001, the volume stands as a testament to their shared passion for the natural world.

Throughout his life, Pat remained modest about his talent, preferring to give away his paintings rather than sell them.

A CWT spokesperson said: “We are incredibly grateful to have received these beautiful paintings. A selection will be proudly displayed at our head office, serving as a lasting tribute to Pat’s contribution to conservation in Cornwall.

“The remainder will be auctioned by Lay’s Auctioneers, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going directly to support our mission to create a Cornwall where nature thrives.”

This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Cornwall’s natural and artistic heritage, while directly supporting the future of the county’s wildlife and wild places (buyer’s commission still applies).

In-person viewing of the collection is encouraged at Lay’s Penzance Auction House, Alverton Road, Penzance TR18 4RE, with no need to book in advance. The auctions start today [October 31] at 4pm and close on November 16 at 4pm.