ART exhibitions can be serious affairs, but as I walk round the latest show at Mottisfont estate in Hampshire, I'm aware of people laughing.
I'm chuckling myself.
Running until May 7, Mottisfont's latest exhibition celebrates the centenary of cartoonist Norman Thelwell.
The artist was famous for his humorous drawings of chubby children on plump ponies, in particular Penny and her pony Kipper.
As a rider myself, I loved his wry equestrian observations, collected in books such as "A Leg At Each Corner" and "Angels On Horseback".
But Norman Thelwell's artistic talents involved more than just ponies.
"We've held two other Thelwell exhibitions here: one on his pony cartoons and the other on landscapes," Mottisfont's Visitor Experience Manager Helen Potts explains.
"This time we wanted to look at his whole career and show different examples of his work.
"Norman's son David lives nearby and was tremendously generous in letting us sort through his huge collection of Thelwell artwork and memorabilia.
"He gave us access to his father's personal diaries and to boxes of fan letters from all over the world.
"He even lent us the desk where his father used to draw," she adds.
The result is a display of more than 150 pieces that trace Thelwell's career from his childhood love of drawing in Birkenhead through military service in India, art college in Liverpool, then various teaching posts before becoming a full-time freelance artist in 1956.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 25, 2023 من The People's Friend.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 25, 2023 من The People's Friend.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
A Breath Of Country Air
Renowned nature writer Polly Pullar takes a lighthearted look at rural life.
A Test Of Courage
Yasmin’s dad needed her but could she reveal her secret project?
The Art Of Laughter
Gillian Thornton visits Hampshire to enjoy the artistic talents of cartoonist Norman Thelwell in his centenary year.
Life After Linda
It was just Dan and his father now and they needed time to adjust...
The hall was used by the BBC Symphony Orchestra
Bunyan Meeting Church in Bradford had a fascinating role in WWII. Doreen Watson tells Bill Gibb the story.
That's All, She Wrote
Jacki Joyce celebrates the life of Angela Lansbury, the versatile actress most loved for her role as TV's favourite amateur sleuth.
Pets&Vets
Vet Linda Simon shares some tips on how to care for tropical fish.
Your money
Set your money goals for 2023
Blow Away The Cobwebs
January was a good time for fresh starts, yet was finding it difficult...
For The Love Of Family
Nancy’s new job at the manor was a big step away from the fishing village where she’d grown up...