1960's supermodel leaves fortune to save animals

Wednesday 19 November 2014

Durrell is set to benefit from the dying wish of a famous 1960's model and renowned art collector. Uta Pearson died earlier this year at the age of 74, bequeathing her extensive jewellery collection to the Trust.

The 85 items of fine jewellery, with some items listed as being worth more than £33,000, will be auctioned by Bonhams in Sydney next Tuesday, with all profits going towards the conservation of endangered species. They include antique diamond butterfly brooches and spiders, snake bracelets, Art Nouveau diamond encrusted bats, and rings modelled as coloured diamond animals.

Ms. Pearson had been a member of Durrell since the 1970s, committing to a lifetime membership in 1999. A regular donor, she had contributed significant amounts to the Trust’s St. Lucia parrot captive breeding and reintroduction programme throughout the 1980’s.

Rachel Shaw, Head of Fundraising at Durrell said: “We are very grateful to Uta for her support during her lifetime, and with this final gift in her will. She has also given us a wonderful opportunity to offer people the chance to own some beautiful pieces of jewellery, and at the same time help us in our mission of saving species from extinction.”

The team at Durrell says that a time when there is more need for wildlife and habitat conservation than ever, their conservationists are poised to launch the most all-embracing mission in the Trust’s 51 year history: a global effort to save amphibians. 

The Trust's Honorary Director, Lee Durrell added: “Throughout her life, no matter her circumstances, Ms. Pearson supported the Trust and its work to save endangered species. Her interest and dedication were greatly appreciated by Gerald Durrell. Even after she was gone, she wanted to continue her support in a very special way, and for this we are most grateful.”

Bids can be registered at www.bonhams.com/auctions/22496.