16/10/2026 - Permalink

Local Artist Brings Christmas Magic to Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery

Related topics: Children's services / Community / Leisure, culture and heritage
Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery (SMAG) is showcasing Shropshire’s creative talent this Christmas through a special collaboration with local illustrator, author and artist Sarah Corkill.

Sarah Corkill’s book ‘The Shrewsbury Fox’s Great Adventure’ has inspired this year’s Christmas events

This year’s Christmas theme will feature Sarah’s wonderful rhyming book, The Shrewsbury Fox’s Great Adventure. This whimsical tale and its beautiful illustrations have inspired this year’s Father Christmas events and festive gift shop collection.

SMAG’s Christmas programme begins on 21 November alongside the popular DRAWN Contemporary Art, Makers and Design Fair, with Father Christmas making his first appearance of the season at the Museum. Families can book onto the Storytime with Father Christmas sessions, where a Victorian Father Christmas will read The Shrewsbury Fox’s Great Adventure. The experience also includes a themed gift and the opportunity to purchase a signed copy of the book as a keepsake.

Sarah’s furry woodland characters may even provide a cheeky hint about this year’s Christmas gift, which will also feature in our Meet Father Christmas experiences throughout December. Places are limited, and advance booking is essential through the museum’s website.

Sarah has also kindly allowed the museum to feature her beautiful new painting depicting Father Christmas, Furlin Fox, Hedgehog and Owl visiting the Museum. The museum team is delighted to feature one of Sarah’s artworks and to use the illustration as part of its festive fundraising activities. From mid-October visitors will be able to purchase Christmas cards featuring Sarah’s new Museum design, alongside signed copies of her book, calendars and a selection of festive decorations.

Councillor Alex Wagner, Shropshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, said:
“This collaboration perfectly demonstrates the important role our museum plays in supporting and championing local creative talent. Sarah’s artwork beautifully captures the magic of Christmas in Shrewsbury while showcasing the exceptional creativity that exists within our county.”
Sarah Corkill said:
 “I’m delighted to be working with Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery this Christmas and can’t wait to hear my Fox book read out by Father Christmas to the children. It will be such a festive and magical event in the beautiful surroundings of Shrewsbury. I hope lots of families come along!”
For details of the storytelling event on 21 November and Father Christmas’ visits throughout December, visit Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery’s website www.shropshiremuseums.org.uk . Tickets must be booked in advance.