The exhibition will feature selected Georgian artworks from the Bussell Collection. Ernest Bussell, a Weymouth ironmonger, was well known in the town as a collection of fine art, china, porcelain and silver. After his death in 1967, Bussell’s wife donated his paintings and prints to the town of his birth.

Abbie King, Director of Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum, said:

“We’re excited to be partnering with Weymouth Museum to bring a new exhibition on Georgian Dorset to Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum this summer. The Bussell collection is one of the most important collections held by Weymouth Museum, so it’s such a pleasure to exhibit this artwork and welcome visitors from across the county and country to see it.”

Alongside artworks from the Bussell collection, this exhibition will showcase some pieces from King George III’s time in Weymouth. In 1789, George III visited Weymouth after a doctor recommended the King convalesce on the coast. The visit was a huge success, with the Queen declaring the King was ‘much better and stronger for the sea bathing’. George III enjoyed his visit so much that he returned to Weymouth regularly over the next 15 years.

 Marcia Headon, Chair of Weymouth Museum, said:

“We’re delighted to be working with Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum to bring this newly curated exhibition to Dorchester. With artworks depicting places, people and leisure activities of the time, this exhibition will offer visitors and snapshot of Georgian Dorset. The Georgian period was a really interesting time in Dorset’s history, especially as tourism was growing due to King George III’s association with Weymouth, and we’re excited to share this with visitors.”

Georgian Dorset: selected artworks from the Bussell Collection will be at Shire Hall from 10th July – 4th September 2021.