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A sketch of Dulwich Picture Gallery with a boy, a fox and a horse in front

Exhibition

Charlie Mackesy: The Boy, the Fox, the Mole, the Horse... And You

3 Nov 2026 – 7 Feb 2027

This winter, we will welcome the truly original and magical drawings of award-winning author and illustrator Charlie Mackesy.

Bringing together never-before-seen early sketches, unpublished studies, and original works from across Mackesy’s career, the one-room exhibition will offer audiences of all ages a unique insight into his creative process, celebrating the universal message that art is for everyone.

Visitors will encounter rarely displayed preparatory sketches alongside finished illustrations from Mackesy’s internationally best-selling books The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse and Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm. Praised for their compassion and gentle wisdom, these works have captured the hearts of a generation, inspiring messages of resilience, hope and friendship.

Highlighting Mackesy’s belief that creativity is for everyone, the exhibition will invite visitors to make their own drawings in response to the works on display, emphasising the health and wellbeing benefits of art. By revealing his ‘messy’ preparatory sketches, Mackesy offers an intimate glimpse into his working process and the playful, universal nature of art.

The exhibition will be specially curated by art historian, curator and author Kate Bryan.

Prices

One-room exhibition included with your Gallery admission ticket.

Friends get 10% or more off our events