[W]ith only weeks to go until Christmas Day, escape the hustle and bustle of town centres at Christmas and visit Abbot Hall Art Gallery.
Not only is the Gallery exhibiting one of its largest shows in the last ten years, there is a beautiful gift shop, perfect for unique Christmas shopping and gift ideas. Also on site is The Bakestone café, serving up up delicious home made lunches, bakes and cakes, just what is needed to energise yourself for the busy festive season. Most importantly, there is plenty for families to do with, trails, activities and The Artists Studio, for adults and children alike to get creative. There is something for everyone at Abbot Hall.
James Dean, General Manager at Abbot Hall and Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry said “This year at Abbot Hall, we’ve created a great atmosphere for people to be able to remove themselves from busy town centres, you can still complete your Christmas shopping and meet with friends, but in a more relaxed space. We’ve also got a beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the entrance hall and some brilliant Victorian Christmas themed activities happening at Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry.”
To further escape the Christmas commotion, take time to visit the current exhibition, LAND | SEA | LIFE. The display highlights the very best of twentieth century art from The Ingram Collection of Modern British Art. The exhibition has proved to be a great success, with visitors referring to it as a “privilege to see so many artists works in one place” and commenting “it is full of the great and the good of twentieth century art.”
The diverse selection of subjects covered in the exhibition include: Landscape, Boats and the Sea, Still Life and the Figure, featuring works by significant artists from the period such as, Dame Barbara Hepworth, Edward Burra, John Piper, Dame Laura Knoght and Henry Moore.
Not only can visitors to Abbot Hall explore this marvellous collection, there are many other displays throughout the award-winning Gallery. Running until 28 March 2018, there is a display of Percy Kelly’s works and until the end of 2017 the complete series of A Rakes Progress by David Hockney, one of the most influential British artists of the twentieth century is on show. This is all complemented by the Gallery’s permanent collection and Georgian period rooms.
Helen Watson, Director of Programming, Lakeland Arts commented, “LAND | SEA | LIFE has been such a successful exhibition for Abbot Hall Art Gallery. It has been thoroughly enjoyable working with The Ingram Collection on this exhibition and we look forward to working with them further next year in elements of our exciting 2018 programme. The exhibition includes so many different works and alongside our other displays and permanent collection there really is something for everyone at Abbot Hall.”
Abbot Hall Art Gallery is open Monday – Saturday 10.30am-4pm. The gallery is closed 23 December – 11 January. Entry for adults costs £7.70 (including Gift Aid) / £7, while ‘Friends’ of Lakeland Arts, Under 16’s and full time students are free. For more information on Abbot Hall visit abbothall.org.uk.
LAND | SEA | LIFE
A British Art Collection
Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Kendal
Runs to Saturday 17 February 2018