An extra date has now been added to a special painting exhibition at the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick because of the demand for tickets.
The Percy Kelly: Scene and Unseen exhibition is due to open in just two weeks’ time, and the world premiere public screening of never before seen footage sold out within hours of the event going on sale.
In spring last year, Chris Wadsworth, founder of Castlegate House Gallery in Cockermouth and representative of the Percy Kelly estate, received a mysterious email asking if would be interested in a film and a letter from an artist called Percy Kelly addressed to a gallery owner in Paris.
Chris replied with caution as Percy died 30 years ago leaving nothing about ever being in Paris.
The correspondent had not been able to watch the 8mm cinefilm footage, but the letter, signed and dated 1964, proved to be genuine.
What followed is an astonishing tale, which is still unfolding today and will be revealed at the Theatre by the Lake.
The screening of the film on Saturday, April 13 was quickly sold out so a second date of Thursday, April 18 has been slotted in, with tickets at £17.50 available.
The exhibition itself runs from Saturday, March 30 to Saturday, April 20 with free entry.
This extraordinary exhibition showcases more than 50 paintings, drawings and original prints direct from acclaimed West Cumbrian artist Percy Kelly’s estate.
Some of the work has never been seen before, all are available for sale.
Sales of exhibited works in the gallery will include paintings, drawings and a collection of prints made by Percy Kelly, as well as limited editions of etchings created from Kelly’s original plates.
Sales will be open to the public throughout the exhibition, with proceeds donated to the theatre.
