Our Patron

Art in Poundbury is delighted to announce Lord Fellowes of West Stafford DL, as our patron.

Most people will recognise Julian Fellowes as being intrinsically linked with creating Downton Abbey – but he is also an actor, novelist, film director and screenwriter, Conservative peer of the House of Lords – and more importantly, lives in Dorset!

He is involved in volunteer work, and is patron of a number of charities, so Art in Poundbury is honoured that as a relatively new but quickly expanding group, he didn’t hesitate to accept our invitation.

2023 is set to be an exciting year for Art in Poundbury, with a new en plein air event, Art in the Park, already having taken place, and very well received, on 27th May, with 90 established and enthusiasts alike coming together to enjoy a day of painting.

Work created there will be incorporated into our Christmas Exhibition 2023, at Jubilee Hall, where artists of all ages and abilities from Poundbury and across Dorset will get the chance to display and sell their work.

Lord Fellowes, said: “There is talent everywhere, and there are people who appreciate talent everywhere. This is why I think it so important to encourage local artists and local art enthusiasts, because I do believe that art is an essential element in any community that wants to grow. Art helps us to think, it helps us to dream, it helps us to understand more clearly who we are. It is for these reasons, and for so many more, that I believe it is both a duty and a pleasure to do what any of us can to support Art in Poundbury.”

Art in Poundbury’s director, Judy Tate, added: “The Art in Poundbury team and I are delighted to welcome Lord Fellowes in his role as patron, and feel it is perfect recognition of all the hard work and commitment of our team to the promotion of visual arts in our local area to date.”