Sam Parsons 'Field Guide - Future Edition'
A new art exhibition inspired by our dioramas by Artist in Residence Sam Parsons.
As humans, we often separate ourselves from the rest of the natural world, but Field Guide – Future Edition invites us to reconsider that relationship.
Inspired by many plants and animals in our dioramas, artist Sam Parsons intuitively explores the canvas much like discovering a new habitat. His paintings evolve through multiple layers, to become entangled, immersive views with no fixed timeline. Old garments and scrap fabrics emulate organic forms, whilst fleeting glimpses of the animals move through the room.
Growing up locally, I visited the Powell-Cotton Museum many times as a child, which helped foster my fascination with nature. Having now studied zoology and become an artist, it is exciting to return and interpret the scene with a fresh perspective — one that learns from natural history to champion a more natural future.
Sam Parsons
Q&A with Sam Parsons
As part of the launch of Field Guide – Future Edition, our 2026 Artist in Residence Sam Parsons sat down with us to talk about his background, inspiration, and the ideas behind the new exhibition.
He reflects on childhood memories of the Powell-Cotton Museum, his journey from zoology to art and how imagination can help reshape our relationship with the natural world.
Quex Garden Soundscape
To complement Sam’s artwork in Gallery 1, our Quex Garden team and members of the Sunshine Project recorded a special soundscape.
Capturing sounds from the natural world, found here in Quex Garden, and complemented with sounds made from clay instruments, the soundscape is a perfect accompaniment to enjoy the exhibition.
