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FESTIVAL OF WESSEX 2026 • 23 ‘SWEET PEA FAIRIES, FLOWER FAIRIES OF THE GARDEN’ (1944) © The Estate of Cicely Mary Barker The Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is currently hosting a major exhibition celebrating the timeless artistry of Cicely Mary Barker. Running until 4th October, the exhibition invites visitors of all ages to rediscover the beautiful illustrations that have captivated imaginations for over a century. Since their first publication in 1923, Cicely’s Flower Fairies have become beloved classics, she observed and recorded each flower with meticulous botanical accuracy. Raised in a family of passionate gardeners, Cicely developed a lifelong love of nature that shaped every aspect of her work. Rare early illustrations on display and insights into her working process reveal an artist whose gentle imagination continues to bring joy. Fairies were a popular subject in the early 20th century which undoubtably influenced Cecily, as well as a love for the Pre-Raphaelites. Following her father’s untimely death her sister opened a school in their front room. This provided plenty of life models for Cecily, who would match the personalities of the plants to those of the children she drew. However, this was not just a hobby, the pressure to generate an income form her artwork was a very real necessity. This exhibition highlights Cecily’s connection to Dorset and the sea, somewhere she continued to visit from childhood throughout her life. There is much of her original artwork on display, early sketches and photographs of her seaside holidays which fed into commercial Flower Fairies: Enchantment by the Sea work, and illustrations for postcards. The Horned Poppy Fairy is a typical coastal character, this Sea Poppy thrives on shingle beaches, cliffs and sand dunes. In focusing on this special Dorset connection, the Russell Cotes also shows Cicely’s landscape paintings made during her visits to the county, including scenes from Swanage, Highcliffe and Worth Matravers. These atmospheric pieces demonstrate her deep appreciation for the coastline and countryside that continues to inspire artists today. As ever the Russell-Cotes has a fabulous selection of children's interactive opportunities. Mrs Owl’s crossword puzzle, a wishing tree, opportunities to draw, colour and write poems and of course dressing up. As well as all this, a fairy trail invites you to explore their beautiful grounds and find the fairies and their plants, bringing Cicely Mary Barker’s world to life. Suzy Rushbrook Until 4 October: Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, East Cliff, BOURNEMOUTH, BH1 3AA. 10am - 5pm. £12.50 / £6. 01202 128000 / russellcotes.com . Installation photographs by Eliza Naden