The Fairlynch Museum in Budleigh Salterton has reopened for the 2026 season with many new displays on show
The official reopening was performed by the Museum’s patron Lord Clinton.
It features a brand new exhibition, “Budleigh from Above”, in conjunction with Budleigh Arts Club.
The Fairlynch Museum’s Chairman, Trevor Waddington said, “It’s an exciting and refreshing view of our town from rarely seen angles. The quality of the artwork is quite exceptional. Last year one of the attractions was the textile artwork by our own Brenda Thomas. It helped us record one of the most popular years at the museum for some time. We’re hoping this year’s art exhibition will be just as popular.”
Ben Honey, who chairs the Budleigh Arts Club explained, “One of my priorities has been developing art in the community and encouraging people to break out of their own comfort zones. We sent a drone into the skies above Budleigh and recorded 100 images of views rarely seen from the ground. Then we gave our members the same 30cm by 40 cm birch board to record their artwork. The result is a fantastic display.”
Trevor Waddington added, “It’s not just the art that’s new this year. There’s the story of Big Chief I-SPY Charles Warrell (1889 -1995) who devised a set of books that challenged children to “see” their surroundings. He retired to Budleigh, where he lived for many years. “The Dressmaker” continues our focus on ladies' fashion, this time from 1780 to 1830. Photography in Budleigh Salterton is a new display that includes both early and current photography from the town and some of the cameras that were used by those pioneering photographers. Sue Morgan is the museum’s Curator of Lace. This year we will be displaying some of her award-winning lace alongside pieces from the museum’s extensive collection. “Heaths to Sea” features local photographers and their images of the animals that make their homes in hedgerows and field margins. There’s certainly plenty to see this year at the museum.”
The Fairlynch Museum is open now until Sunday 1st Nov 2026. The opening hours are 2.00 - 4.30 Tuesday - Sunday, and Bank Holiday Mondays. 27 Fore St, Budleigh Salterton, EX9 6NP
Entry is free for Friends of Fairlynch and children under 16, £2.50 for everyone else. Every penny helps to keep the museum open.
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