Skip to main content

Please note that The Gift Fair is taking place from Fri 5 – Sun 7 Dec. Whilst the fair is on, there will be a few changes to our normal offer;

  • All visitors, including members who are not coming to the fair itself, are required to prebook tickets.
  • If you would like to visit The Gift Fair tickets can be booked here
  • If you would like to visit the grounds and exhibitions alone you can buy general admission tickets
  • Whilst the fair is on, our ground floor galleries, which includes our Naples, Northern European, Portraits and Miniatures, and The Women’s Library, as well as the Modern Masterpieces display, will be open for the fair only.
  • We recommend car sharing where possible to help with the capacity of the car park.

Quentin
Blake

Birds, Beasts and Explorers

27 May 2023 – 1 October 2023

Quentin Blake: Birds, Beasts and Explorers ran from 27 May 2023 – 1 October 2023.

Showcasing over 70 original illustrations, this exhibition took inspiration from recurring themes in Blake’s work – birds, fantastical flying creatures and the joy of exploring in nature – as well as the flying creatures that call Compton Verney’s grounds home.

A whimsical illustration depicting monstrous creatures resembling hands and a dragon-like creature, carrying small human figures on their appendages.
Monster Readers. © Quentin Blake, 2007

About the
exhibition

Sir Quentin Blake (b.1932) is one of the most celebrated illustrators and writers of children’s books working today. Over the course of a career spanning several decades, Blake has illustrated more than 500 books, bringing to life treasured literary characters in his unmistakeable style and inspiring generations.