Blog Post

'Wild at Heart' Live Show and Auction Result

Kate Downes • Oct 30, 2023

Incredible news from Kirsten Mirrey's solo exhibition 

Watson Gallery had a fantastic time last week with Kirsten Mirrey’s first ever solo exhibition, Wild at Heart. There was a lot of excitement beforehand as Kirsten was profiled in the Edinburgh Reporter, gaining increased attention for her work in the lead-up to the show.


Kirsten has had a remarkable year, with one of her artworks – the original “Nala,” which was purchased by a Watson client last month – going viral on her Instagram channel, with over 12 million views to date.

The opening night of the exhibition on 20th October was a delightful time for all, although there was a litte tension ahead of time when we realised that we would be battling Storm Babet! While some of the guests understandably couldn’t make it, those who lived within safe traveling distance brought a lovely atmosphere and thoroughly enjoyed Kirsten’s live painting demonstration, as well as the Q& A session hosted by Watson’s art director Bob Corsie.

However, the storm did bring a bit of drama to the evening, along with a story that will certainly always be remembered at Watson Gallery…


Having fallen in love with a particular painting, one of Kirsten’s fans from down south was determined to make the live event, despite the weather, and booked an early train from London – or so he thought. Due to flooding, the client was stuck on the train for an extra six hours! This turned a four-hour journey into a ten-hour trek, with the train arriving just as our event was supposed to end.


Of course, we kept the gallery open an extra hour to allow the client time to explore the collection, and to enjoy a one-on-one chat with Kirsten, who was incredibly touched by the distance travelled and the effort made.


This client's new original painting, Kirsten’s stunning artwork “The Crossing,” will be traveling down south this week to its new home. We can’t help but think that the epic journey of the wildebeest, captured by Kirsten as they cross the muddy waters, had at least some small echo in reality…

The Wild at Heart exhibition continued for the week until 27th October, when we had the pleasure of announcing the results of our silent auction to benefit Kirsten’s chosen charity Wildlife Act.


The auctioned piece was a unique hand-embellished giclée edition of Kirsten’s tiger artwork “Illumination.” The winning bid was an incredible £2,500.00! We enjoyed surprising Kirsten with the news, and even caught her reaction on camera…

Thanks to all those who came to the event, as well as those who have followed the exhibition online. Remember to browse the remaining artworks available through Watson Gallery! Please get in contact if you would like to make a purchase or reservation, or book a viewing.

Photorealistic wildlife paintings by Kirsten Mirreyu of a lion, a panther and an elephant herd on display at Watson Gallery Edinburgh
Original wildlife paintings of wildebeest, gorillas, eagle, bison and a tiger by Kirsten Mirrey
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