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American-Belgian artist Nils Westergard creates a striking artwork for our inaugural exhibition GraffitiStreet X: A Decade in our new gallery. The artworks titled “Peregrine,” beautifully encapsulates the majestic essence of one of nature’s most remarkable birds—the peregrine falcon. This striking artwork is a tribute to the rich history and ongoing narrative of these incredible creatures at Chichester Cathedral, where they have found a safe haven for nesting.
Nils Westergard’s passion for falcons is evident in his mural work, where he brings to life the intricate details and stunning beauty of these magnificent birds, conveying his deep admiration for them.
Image Copyright Nils Westergard
A Connection with Nature
Now based in Amsterdam, Nils’ online research into the Chichester Peregrine led him to exceptional photography by David Shaw. Intrigued by Shaw’s work, he reached out to the photographer.
“I searched through numerous photos and discovered that David Shaw’s photography work was truly in a league of its own. I gave him a call and received a funny message back from a cliff in Spain, where he was watching other birds—definitely a testament to his quality as a bird photographer.”
Nils Westergard
Since 2001, local photographer David Shaw, and wife Janet Shaw, have dedicated themselves to observing and documenting the peregrine falcons at the Chichester Cathedral, West Street.
David and Janet Shaw X Nils Westergard “Chichester Peregrines”
Their journey began when they spotted the birds nesting on the spire, and they have followed their story closely, accumulating vast knowledge about the falcons’ behaviour, migration patterns, and nesting success—over seventy chicks have fledged since they started their observations.
Peregrine falcons are remarkable birds known for being the fastest animals on Earth, reaching speeds over 240 mph during their hunting dives. They inhabit diverse environments across every continent except Antarctica, demonstrating adaptability, including in urban areas. These falcons hunt by soaring high and diving swiftly to catch birds, utilising their sharp eyesight. Once endangered due to pesticides, peregrines have made a significant recovery thanks to successful conservation efforts and habitat protection.
Image Copyright David Shaw Photography
Inspired by the Shaws’ passion and stunning photography, Nils Westergard sought to pay homage to these beautiful birds. Nils collaborated with David to incorporate authentic representations of the peregrine falcon in his work, selecting two to three photographs to suit his compositional needs.
Image Copyright David Shaw Photography
Nils Westergard’s intricate hand-cut stencils, created over forty hours, capture the elegance and stunning features of the peregrine falcon. The towering stone cross in his artwork highlights the importance of habitat conservation at Chichester Cathedral on West Street, these stencils are exhibited at our new gallery in West Street.
Nils Westergard – Peregrine (Intricate Stencils). Purchase here
The Peregrines of Chichester
The Peregrines of Chichester have become a remarkable emblem of resilience and adaptability in urban environments. Located near the Chichester Cathedral, these magnificent birds of prey can often be seen soaring high above the city, showcasing their incredible speed and hunting prowess. The population of peregrine falcons in this area serves as a testament to successful conservation efforts that have allowed them to thrive after facing serious threats in the past.
Observing these falcons in their natural habitat provides a unique opportunity to appreciate their beauty and grace. Their impressive nesting behavior and parenting skills also draw the attention of birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. The presence of these birds not only enriches the local biodiversity but also serves as a source of inspiration, symbolizing strength, freedom, and the ability to navigate challenges.
The Peregrines of Chichester represent a striking example of how nature can reclaim spaces within urban landscapes, reminding us of the importance of respecting and preserving wildlife in our communities.
Image Copyright David Shaw Photography
Peregrine Day and Peregrine Night
Nils Westergard’s stunning works, “Peregrine Day” and “Peregrine Night,” serve as a tribute to the majestic peregrine falcons that nest at Chichester Cathedral. These pieces not only capture the beauty of these remarkable birds but also instill pride in the local community for having them breed at such a historic site.
Nils Westergard’s collaboration with photographer David Shaw emphasises our crucial role in conserving natural heritage. By showcasing the peregrine falcons through a modern artistic lens, Westergard underscores the significance of this special relationship.
The stunning Peregrine Day canvas, adorned with gold leaf, intricately captures the vibrant hues of a golden morning. As the sun rises with a warm embrace, it illuminates the Peregrine with its radiant glow. Additionally, the gold adornment serves as a nod to the iconic golden cockerel that crowns the spire of the Cathedral, creating a beautiful connection between the artwork and the peregrines nesting site.
Nils Westergard – Peregrine (Day). Purchase here.
In contrast, the Peregrine Night scene, with silver leaf, embodies the tranquil beauty of evening, when the silver moon sits gracefully in the star lit sky behind the Peregrine.
Nils Westergard – Peregrine (Night). Purchase here.
Each artwork of the Peregrine features their distinctive lettered black and white tab, serving as a visual connection to Chichester, West Sussex.
GraffitiStreet, West Street
Dive into the beauty of Nils Westergard’s “Peregrine,” and celebrate the wonder of the peregrine falcon—these magnificent birds soar not only in the skies of Chichester but also through the artists striking artwork in our new gallery space at 25a West Street, Chichester, PO19 1QW.
Limited Edition Pieces
As part of the exhibition, the artist has also produced a limited edition of “Peregrine,” featuring eight unique pieces hand-sprayed on paper in various bold colours available online here.
Nils Westergard – Peregrine handsprayed on paper
Engaging with the Community
Visitors can witness the thrill of these peregrines in real-time through live webcams set up by Chichester Cathedral, David Shaw Wildlife, Carnyx Wild and the Sussex Ornithological Society. This collaborative effort allows the public to engage with the peregrines, creating a community of local pride, fellow bird lovers and conservationists.
Peregrine by Nils Westergard
Please find all artworks of the Chichester Peregrines by Nils Westergard in our Chichester “GraffitiStreet” art gallery, GraffitiStreet 25a West Street PO19 1QW or via our GraffitiStreet’s store here.
For those who cannot visit please check out the exhibition catalogue with available works debuted at our inaugural exhibition, “GraffitiStreet X: A Decade.” Additionally, visit our online store for all the artworks exhibited, and a selection of curated pieces that extend the spirit of the exhibition.
