BEST-selling author Bill Bryson enthused about living in East Hampshire as he opened an art exhibition at Selborne.
The writer of hugely popular books including ‘Notes From a Small Island’ was at Gilbert White’s House for the opening of Inspired by the Word.
This is a Hampshire-wide exhibition at various venues featuring pieces by British artists inspired by the writing of naturalist Gilbert White, Jane Austen and Steep poet Edward Thomas.
After doing the honours, American-born Bryson, who lives in the Liss area, extolled the virtues of his adopted homeland, and county.
He very much enjoyed living in East Hampshire, and was impressed at the care the British took over preserving their history, making it relevant.
And he declared the sculptures on show in Gilbert’s Garden “wonderful stuff”. “They absolutely enhance the gardens perfectly, and vice versa,” he said.
He looked forward to returning for another look at the exhibition at the Selborne attraction, which features in his book ‘The Road to Little Dribbling’.
He described it as an “improbable, but surprisingly splendid package”.
Inspired by the Word is also at venues including Winchester Cathedral and Chawton House Library.
Petersfield Museum and the town’s Physic Garden are displaying artworks inspired by the writing of Edward Thomas.
The exhibition at Gilbert White’s House runs until September 30. The pieces are all available to buy. Admission to the garden is £5.50, and £9.50 to visit the museum.