Artist's natural marvel celebrated at museum

An exhibition, now open at Somerset Rural Life Museum, offers a new appraisal of the work and life of Exmoor writer and artist Hope Bourne, running until 10 January 2026.

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A Life Outside: Hope Bourne on Exmoor, is 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.