current exhibitions  |  2022

LOWER OTTER RESTORATION PROJECT (LORP)

Major landscaping works that began in 2020 in the Lower Otter Valley have already transformed the tranquil water meadows loved by locals and visitors alike. Before long the old embankments will be breached and the sea will inundate the flood plain at high tide, creating a new salt-marsh habitat. LORP has divided local opinion but its instigators say more flooding was inevitable as sea levels rise, and preempting an uncontrolled breach is best for nature in the long term and will pioneer similar projects on both sides of the channel.

​Our exhibition examines the many facets of this story and is set to run for two years at least, as LORP comes to fruition.

Picture above: John Swete's 1795 watercolour entitled 'The Mouth of the Otter' shows the estuary before the embankment was built in 1814.
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 FASHION IN THE FIFTIES 

The 2022 costume exhibition in Fairlynch's Joy Gawne room captures the optimism of the New Elizabethan Age in the early 1950s.

When Queen Elizabeth came to the throne war had been over for seven years and rationing was coming to an end. The 'New Look' had been seen on Paris catwalks and British women wore colourful Manchester cotton frocks at home and on their beach holidays in this country.

​The atmosphere of celebration is summed up in our street party scene, as we hope the Platinum, 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's accession will be.

​ROYAL JUBILEES IN THE
​LOWER OTTER VALLEY

This year as we celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, in the Local History Room at Fairlynch we  look back to life in 1952, the Coronation and how the people of Budleigh Salterton and surrounding villages have marked past jubilees and the lasting memorials of them. 

Picture below: Budleigh Salterton residents dressed for a party to mark Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in Mackerel Square (opposite the museum) in 1887, when the brook still ran overground to the sea.

​CECIL ISOBEL ELGEE 1903-1984
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Cecil Elgee (1903 – 84) was a talented artist and professional illustrator who made Budleigh Salterton her home after returning from India in 1927. Our exhibition this year showcases her published and personal work including paintings, books and carvings.

 FOUR CENTURIES OF LACE

Lace is displayed upstairs in the Joy Gawne Room. Included this year are items from the Priscilla Hull collection and this alphabet of Honiton lace, which earned a First Class certificate and a bronze medal for local girl Elizabeth Wellsman in 1909. There are also Mechlin and Flemish pieces from the 18th century and trolly lace, a local speciality.

past exhibitions

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