Exhibitions
In Search of Mary Anning: New Discoveries
A temporary exhibition
Free with Museum Admission
We know Mary Anning’s discoveries. We know far less about Mary Anning herself.
In Search of Mary Anning: New Discoveries is a new exhibition that brings together a collection of artefacts to piece together a portrait of one of history’s most celebrated and least understood scientists. Featuring a recently acquired rare handwritten letter fragment in her own hand and an original drawing of her Lyme Regis home amongst other insightful correspondence and objects, the exhibition offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the life of the woman who changed our understanding of prehistoric life forever.
Opening 13th June, In Search of Mary Anning: New Discoveries is a must-see for anyone who has ever been inspired by her remarkable story.
‘Folded Forms of Prehistoric Life’ by Emily Higgs
The Folded Forms of Prehistoric Life exhibition showcases a series of stylised works by Dorset-based digital artist Emily Higgs, who explores the form, structure and movement of ancient animals. Known for bending the bodies of her subjects, Emily creates compositions that may appear unconventional at first glance, yet they still convey a convincing sense of life and behaviour. Through this approach, Emily invites visitors to reconsider how prehistoric creatures might be interpreted beyond strict scientific realism.
By living within close reach of the Jurassic Coast, Emily’s uses her surroundings to continue to inform her fascination with prehistoric life. Drawing inspiration from documentaries and museum fossil displays – particularly those that show evidence of behaviour – Emily’s work reflects moments captured in deep time. Each piece begins with simplified shapes that establish posture and movement, then gradually develops into more complex forms through a considered colour palette inspired by living modern animals.
Emily’s digital process plays a central role in shaping the final images. Starting from loose pencil sketches, she builds up layers before introducing texture and depth, creating the impression of three-dimensional form. This approach, combined with her signature ‘white eye,’ gives her work a cohesive and recognisable identity across the exhibition.
Folded Forms of Prehistoric Life highlights Emily’s ability to balance artistic interpretation with scientific influence. The exhibition invites visitors to look closely at the shapes and structures of both extinct and living organism, and think about how simplified forms can be transformed into lively, expressive representations of life. In doing so, the exhibition offers an engaging look at how the artistic process can influence the way we see and understand the prehistoric world.
Folded Forms of Prehistoric Life will be running in our Rotunda Gallery from 12th May 2026 – 14th September. For visiting information please see our Plan your Visit page. This exhibition is FREE with admission.
‘Wish You Were Here!’ by Caro Lester
Artist & designer Caro Lester’s print and illustration work is vibrant, graphic and contemporary, inspired by the beautiful colours and light of Dorset’s coast and gardens. Her practice is centred around sketchbook work, drawing at the beach to document the landscape, plants, buildings, boats and people at work and leisure year round. She uses a wide variety of mixed media and enjoys incorporating found collage materials, printed ephemera and text fragments. Caro then works with both traditional print and digital design techniques in the studio to produce her illustrations, layering drawings and selecting elements to create her images. Whilst every coastal town, beach and cove is different, she aims to capture the essence of what a day at the beach can feel like, celebrating our strong seaside traditions with a fresh approach.
Caro completed an Art Foundation course at Shelley Park, which was followed (several years later) by a Distinction in Graphic Design & Multimedia, HND. She is a member of Dorset Visual Arts and Dorset Colourists. Caro was delighted to have a Garden Sketchbook drawing selected for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition this year.
Wish You Were Here! will be running in our Rotunda Gallery from 18th September 2026 – 29th November. For visiting information please see our Plan your Visit page. This exhibition is FREE with admission.
Are you an artist who is interested in exhibiting in the Rotunda Gallery? Please download the instructions on how to apply for consideration.