1 – 31 January 2026
Kit Glaisyer presents Romantic Landscapes, a series of paintings inspired by the views from West Dorset ancient Hill Forts, alongside his popular Cafe Royal paintings, and his sensual Drip Figures, You can also watch the progress of his current commission, currently on show in the gallery, open on Saturdays 10am – 3pm or by appointment. Kit Glaisyer Fine Art, 11 Downes Street, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3JR. 07983 465789 www.kitglaisyery.com @kitglaisyer
Until, 4 January
Quentin Blake: A Christmas Carol This winter, The Sherborne invites visitors into a uniquely magical experience: an intimate, candlelit display of Sir Quentin Blake’s original illustrations for Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol—exhibited on the historic site where Dickens himself delivered a celebrated public reading of the story in 1854. The Sherborne, Newland, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3JG. https://thesherborne.uk.
Continuing the Legacy: New Acquisitions at the Russell-Cotes. Discover the newest treasures in our collection at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum.This mini exhibition of recent acquisitions celebrates the generosity of our supporters, featuring additions to our collection from the past few years, including work by Lucy Kemp-Welch, Leslie Moffat Ward and Eustace Nash. As a museum, we are grateful for the donations that allow us to grow and diversify the legacy of our founders, Annie and Merton Russell-Cotes. These additions help us fill gaps in the original collection, enrich the visitor experience, and ensure the museum continues to inspire for generations to come. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, East Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth BH1 3AA. https://russellcotes.com.
Until 10 January
A Life Outside: Hope Bourne on Exmoor. Exhibition offers a new appraisal of the work and life of Exmoor writer and artist Hope Bourne. Created in partnership with The Exmoor Society which cares for The Hope L. Bourne Collection. This exhibition considers Bourne’s status as one of the West Country’s most significant nature writers, whose work and way of life are especially prescient in this time of advancing environmental crisis. It draws on new research by writer and Guardian Country Diarist Sara Hudston, whose book A Life Outside: Hope Bourne on Exmoor will be published next year. Sara is co-curating the exhibition with Kate Best, for the South West Heritage Trust. Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury is open Tuesday – Saturday 10.00 am – 5.00 pm. For more information visit SRLM.ORG.UK.
Radiance celebrates the variety and wonder of Sladers Yard’s artists, along with a special selection of work by Bridport artist Hugh Dunford Wood. With new work by established painters and printmakers, the gallery is showing rediscovered paintings in the case of Alfred Stockham. Two brilliant ceramic artists new to the gallery, include the intriguing forms of Emily Myers and the delightful figures of Derek Matthews, who join a fabulous selection of ceramics. As Petter Southall’s work becomes more playful and adventurous, there are lamp bases, low tables, console tables and dining tables plus sculpture in wood alongside his remarkable range of handmade chairs. Richly coloured woven textiles, scarves, throws and cushions, books, cards and posters offer something for every budget. Sladers Yard Contemporary Art & Craft Gallery, Cafe Sladers, West Bay, Bridport Dorset DT6 4EL. Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am – 4.30pm. t: 01308 459511 gallery@sladersyard.co.uk sladersyard.co.uk.
17 January – 28 February
Shifting Waterscapes: Ellen Wiles and Arun Sood Exhibition created by multidisciplinary artists Ellen Wiles and Arun Sood exploring the value of water in our landscapes including immersive works involving sound, story, moving image, visual art, and mixed media. Tuesday to Saturday, 10 to 5. Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell St, Honiton EX14 1LX. thelmahulbert.com / 01404 45006. Free admission.
17 January – 7 March
Journey – Two Artists – One Studio – Two New Bodies of Work. Ceramic sculpture and drawings by Clare Trenchard. Paintings of the sculptor’s studio by Binny Mathews. Four years ago, two acclaimed artists embarked on a project which would change the way each of them worked. Successful portrait painter Binny Mathews had the idea of painting another artist at work, observing their most private creative moments and recreating the atmosphere of absolute concentration within the studio. She approached her friend the sculptor Clare Trenchard who agreed for one month on condition there would be no talking and no lunching (they are both tremendous talkers and lunchers.) The arrangement continued for four transformational years. Sculptor Clare Trenchard – whose spirited sculpture in bronze captures the essence of animals and wild hare-humans – gradually began to explore making human figures in ceramic inspired by Moroccan travellers and nomadic people in harsh landscapes. The electrifying ‘Representatives’ are taller than life-size with flapping robes, headdresses and undefined faraway faces. In maquette they are also a delight whether gathering in groups or single. Clare’s drawings revel in the distinctive humorous, decorative qualities of travellers on donkey, old women gossiping in the marketplace, figures in the dust and wind. While other drawings define the thrilling figures she has developed as sculpture. Sladers Yard, West Bay, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4EL Open: Mon to Sat 10 – 4pm. All work can be viewed at www.sladersyard.co.uk t: 01308 459511. e: gallery@sladersyard.co.uk.
24 January – 3 May
Grayson Perry: Aspects of Myself A new exhibition of one of Britain’s most influential contemporary artists. Standard ticket – £7, Book online – £6, NUS cardholders and MA Members – £4, ArtFund – £3, Under 19s and carers free. Some works in the exhibition will depict adult themes. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery is Queen Street, Exeter, EX4 3RX. 01392 265858.
31 January – 10 May
People Watching Over a hundred years of British portraiture with The Ingram Collection and Dorset Museum & Art Gallery. Exploring the concept of image and portraiture in British art, ‘People Watching’ will feature approximately 50 works of sculpture, paintings, drawings, and photography from 1915 to the present day. Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1XA. Open Daily: 10:00am – 5:00pm. Last entry to the Museum is at 4:00pm
