Life in Full ColourThe Art of Jason Wilsher-Mills
A spectacular explosion of colour, creativity and storytelling is set to transform Poole Museum this summer, with the opening of major new exhibition by acclaimed artist Jason Wilsher-Mills this July.
Life in Full Colour: The Art of Jason Wilsher-Mills runs from 10 July 2026 to 3 January 2027. It invites visitors into a vivid, fantastical world filled with mermaids, larger-than-life characters, and unexpected creatures, including fish with feet.
Bringing together monumental sculptures, inflatables, bespoke wallpaper and digital artworks, the exhibition showcases Wilsher‑Mills’ unmistakable visual style, playful, powerful and packed with personality.
Jason’s work is deeply personal. After a life‑changing illness in childhood left him paralysed for a year, he learned to paint using a brush held in his mouth – a defining moment that continues to shape his creative practice today.
Alongside newly commissioned works inspired by Poole’s maritime heritage and the museum’s collections, the exhibition also brings together pieces spanning Jason’s wider career, including artworks created in collaboration with disabled communities across the UK. In recognition of his contribution to art and disability, Jason was awarded an MBE in 2025 for Services to Art and Disability.
Artist Jason Wilsher-Mills said:
“This exhibition is a real celebration of colour, imagination and storytelling.
“I’ve always been drawn to coastal places, and Poole really captured my imagination. The figureheads in the museum stayed with me and inspired new work for this show.
“My work is about creating worlds people can step into – full of humour, emotion and memories, and I’m really excited for people to experience that here in Poole.”
Visitors to the museum will be welcomed by a striking installation in the atrium that sets the tone for this immersive, multi‑sensory experience in The Fine Gallery on Level 4. With colourful characters, fantastical creatures and interactive elements throughout, the exhibition has been designed to appeal to visitors of all ages, making it an exciting experience for families to enjoy together.
Jaine Fitzpatrick, Interim Director, Poole Museum, said:
“This exhibition is bright, bold and brilliant, and I’d encourage everyone to come and visit. Jason is a fascinating artist, and when we discovered his connection to Dorset, first visiting as an art student, we knew we had to bring his work to Poole.
“Jason’s work is rooted in his own lived experience, and that’s something we really value. It aligns closely with our commitment to opening up art and culture, so more people can access it, connect with it and feel it belongs to them.
“Accessibility is central to the exhibition, reflecting the artist’s lived experience. As a result, we’ve got large print and easy read guides, audio interpretation and a dedicated wellbeing space to ensure the exhibition can be enjoyed by a wide range of visitors. We’re proud to offer free entry to the museum and exhibition, and we’d encourage people to come and experience it for themselves. Support from our visitors and partners helps us continue bringing exciting work like this to Poole.”
Sibyl Fine King, Director, The Fine Family Foundation said:
“I am thrilled to explore ‘Life in Full Colour’. I want to be surprised, have my senses stimulated and step into the vibrancy of this exhibition. Then I hope to walk away with a reminder that our world is full of beautiful things to experience.”
Poole Museum continues to offer engaging cultural experiences for residents and visitors, with a programme of events around this exhibition, currently being planned and supported by Poole Museum Foundation, the museum’s registered charity.
Life in Full Colour: The Art of Jason Wilsher-Mills opens on 10 July 2026. Book your free entry tickets to see this exhibiton now - Buy Life in Full Colour: The Art of Jason Wilsher-Mills Tickets online - Poole Museum