September 2025 – 4 January 2026 at The Sherborne
Quentin Blake: Our Friends in the Country will feature 12 works created in 2023 by the artist in his world-famous style.
With watercolour washes and ink lines, 12 scenes of rural life focus on the animals and people that reside in the countryside, and the bonds that exist between the unlikely pairings.
Britain’s best-loved illustrator and inaugural Children’s Laureate, Blake has been creating images that accompany and enrichen our lives for decades. These recent works showcase the quiet comedy and fulfilling friendships between rural dwellers, and inhibit the movement, tenderness and emotion that is the trademark of his drawings.
Snapshots include an elderly man in a meadow trying to capture butterflies, a woman in close contact with a curious duck, a venture into ankle-deep waters to greet a seagull and the juxtaposition of a very large woman with a tiny chick.
The works on display combine old and new imaginary friends inspired by the context of Sherborne House and its rich DNA of visitors, which included such luminaries as Charles Darwin and Charles Dickens.
The Sherborne’s presentation is the first time the images have been shown together outside London…
The exhibition follows last year’s opening of The Sherborne, becoming a space in the south-west dedicated to art, culture, history and nature in the renovated Grade I listed building.
Quentin Blake: Our Friends in the Country will continue into next year, the first of many displays in a busy and ambitious 2026 programme for the arts hub filled with exhibitions, workshops and residencies, talks, panel events and community art projects.
Liz Gilmore, CEO of The Sherborne, said: “These countryside friends feel like neighbours you’ve known forever drawn with a few fearless lines and a splash of colour. We’re thrilled to share works that speak so warmly to companionship, place and everyday joy.”
About The Sherborne
The Sherborne is a vibrant arts and heritage hub at the heart of Dorset, dedicated to connecting people with creativity and culture. Home to the iconic Thornhill mural, it presents a dynamic program of exhibitions, workshops, talks, and community events, while supporting local artists and school projects. Visitors can enjoy the experience fully with Macready’s restaurant, a curated shop, and welcoming spaces that reflect The Sherborne’s mission: to inspire curiosity, foster learning, and make the arts accessible to all. Its vision is to be a cultural destination where heritage, creativity, and community come together, offering something for everyone—whether discovering original artworks, enjoying a meal, or taking part in creative activities.
Visitor information
Venue: The Sherborne, Newland, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3JG
Opening times: Open daily, 10am – 5pm. Free admission
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