UK River Summit Poster painted and designed by Local Artist, Jo Sharpe
Original Painting by Jo Sharpe
As the countdown to the UK River Summit begins, we’re delighted to reveal something truly special — our official event poster, created by the brilliant local artist Jo Sharpe.
Inspired by the flowing beauty and quiet strength of our rivers and particularly, the River Wandle, Jo’s original painting captures the spirit of the Summit in a way words alone cannot. Her work is a vibrant celebration of the natural world and a powerful reminder of what we’re coming together to protect as well as revealing a very personal connection to this urban chalkstream.
Her poster is more than just an image — it’s an extremely generous, heartfelt contribution to a shared mission and we cannot wait to share this.
“The scene for River Summit poster is a series of images that I have collected over the years from my walks along the River Wandle. I live in Carshalton and feel lucky to have such lovely parks like the Grove and Beddington Park with the river running through on my doorstep.
The poster shows wildlife flying over the river and the bridge in Beddington Park.
The backdrop is a big bright green willow tree in Beddington Park with its contrasting maroon coloured neighbour and their shimmering reflections in the Wandle water. In the foreground my dog Tilly is looking at the swans, geese and a nesting coot. She is stood near riverside vegetation, some of my favourite plants I like to paint, like cow parsley and river irises.
I also wanted to include in the painting some fellow river enthusiasts coming to the summit, so we have fly-fishers on the bank, wild swimmers diving in the water, rowing boats and canal boats.
I really enjoyed painting the River Summit poster, it really made me appreciate how important events like this are for bringing communities together to protect the natural resources we all care for so much.
I will be showing my new river collection at the Summit, please come and say ‘hello’!”
Jo will be exhibiting at the UK River Summit and for more of Jo’s work, please visit www.jo-sharpe.co.uk