Published: 09/01/2023
LOCAL scenes from renowned artist Percy Kelly will be on show at Whitehaven’s Beacon Museum later this month.
‘Percy Kelly's Copeland’ runs from January 21 until February 26, and some of the works have never been exhibited in a gallery before.
Kelly, who lived for a time in Whitehaven, featured in an exhibition at the Beacon Museum in 1997, not long after it had opened. Now his works return, with some of his finest pieces and preliminary sketches, all depicting the towns and villages of Copeland.
Copeland's Customer and Visitor Experience Manager, Heather Holmes, said: "We are delighted to host the work of this highly regarded west Cumbrian artist. This will be a unique opportunity to see some of Kelly's more famous pieces of work and expansive charcoal drawings. People will be very familiar with some of the scenes he depicts and we're really looking forward to the show."
The exhibition will also showcase Kelly paintings commissioned by Sir Nicholas Sekers, of The Silk Mill in Whitehaven. These items have never been publicly exhibited before.
Ms Holmes added: "There will be lots of opportunities - walks, talks and events - to bring Percy Kelly’s work to life and share insights into this talented and complex artist."
Chris Wadsworth, author of Percy Kelly - the Man who Couldn’t Stop Drawing, and Tony Calvin, chairperson of The Friends of The Beacon Museum, have curated the exhibition together.
Along with Sal Calvin, they will give guided tours of the exhibition, and lead walks around Whitehaven town centre, highlighting its connections with Kelly and his art.
*Sundays, January 22 and 29, February 5, 12, 19 and 26 - 11.30am until 1.30pm - 'Percy Kelly's Whitehaven.' A guided walk/talk in Whitehaven's town centre. Free, but places should be booked by visiting https://thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk/or calling 01945 592302.
These free guided walks are open to all and do not include entry to the Beacon Museum and the Kelly exhibition. This can be paid for separately at the museum reception. All ages are welcome. The walk will cover one to two miles and some surfaces may be uneven.
*Tuesdays, January 24 and 31, February 7, 14 and 21 - 1pm until 3pm - 'Bringing the Exhibition to Life'. Visitors to the museum can enjoy an informal talk around the exhibition. This is included with entry to the museum, and does not need to be booked.
Find out more about The Beacon Museum and the Percy Kelly's Copeland exhibition.
Find out more about Percy Kelly and his work.
An image from the upcoming Percy Kelly exhibition at The Beacon Museum.
