An artist in residence will be walking in the footsteps of LS Lowry, Sheila Fell, Percy Kelly and William Mitchell after moving into Maryport’s new Shipping Brow Gallery.
Felix Butterwick has won the prestigious position which will see him move in to the harbourside venue for the next year.
He will also receive a £10,000 bursary to allow him to develop his skills and work closely with the creative community.
The extensive renovation and conversion of the building has been managed by its owners, Cumberland Council, using £461,248 of funding provided by Historic England and the former Allerdale Borough Council.
The building was once The Queen’s Head pub and its exterior still features the original mosaic showing the head of Queen Victoria and her VR initials, which is being restored.
Felix is an alumnus of Glasgow School of Art, graduating in 2023 with a degree in fine art, painting and printmaking and his work has been exhibited in venues all over the UK.
He said the beauty of the West Cumbrian coast is already starting to inspire him.
Felix added: “Maryport, and Cumbria more generally, are obviously known for their natural beauty, which is definitely an inspiration when working with the visual. However, I am most inspired by the people – how the generations of those that live in the area have shaped and changed the landscape.
“I think there’s a beauty in elemental nature that Maryport has. The day’s weather is written out in front of you as you look out on to the Solway and I really love that.
“I am really looking forward to being able to engage with the town and those that visit the gallery in person. It’s amazing to have been given the opportunity to spend my time doing what I love.”
Shipping Brow Gallery will be run by Maryport art lovers Dolly and Brian Money who have set up a charitable trust to secure its future.
Dolly said: “Our vision for Shipping Brow Gallery was twofold. We wanted to showcase different but highly important works by the 20th century Cumbrian artist Percy Kelly and the 19th century Irish William Mitchell, and also create an opportunity for a young art graduate to join the gallery and create a body of work inspired by Maryport and West Cumbria.
“We believe this offers a unique opportunity for our young artist as well as for Maryport and West Cumbria. Twenty artists from across the UK applied and we were delighted to appoint Felix from a very competitive field.
“Our hope is that this will be a creative year for him, and will bring a sense of adventure and aspiration to young Cumbrians who will be visiting the gallery to see him at work.”
Leader of Cumberland Council, Councillor Mark Fryer, said the gallery would be a ‘fabulous’ attraction for Maryport.
He added: “Shipping Brow Gallery is going to be a fabulous attraction for Maryport with artworks which have never been on public view before. I wish Felix well and am really looking forward to seeing the people and places he features in his work.”
Shipping Brow Gallery is due to open on Sunday 19 November 2023. For more information visit www.shippingbrowgallery.co.uk
