Allonby has a rich diversity of cultural links with artists, writers and poets. Many colourful characters have visited Allonby and been inspired by the Solway coast and surrounding area.
Artists
Many renowned artists have connections with the area, most famously artists such as L S Lowry, Percy Kelly and Sheila Fell. Lowry visited West Cumbria over many years to call on friends and painted many local scenes including Maryport, Cleator Moor and Workington. He befriended Aspatria born artist Sheila Fell, whom he called the greatest landscape painter of her generation. Sheila died in 1979, aged just 48 and many of her paintings are now held in major public and private collections, including the Tate Gallery, Walker Art Gallery and in the Government Art Collection. The internationally acclaimed artist Percy Kelly painted many local scenes and lived in Glen Cottage, Allonby between 1958 and 1971. His fascinating life story is now being told through various books published by Castlegate House Gallery in Cockermouth and in the wonderfully illustrated letters that he sent to friends and family.
Writers Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins visited Allonby during their walking tour in 1857 which inspired the short story "The Lazy Tour of Two Idle Apprentices".
Download available here.
The poet, vocalist, photographer Joseph J Heskett was born in Allonby in 1865. Many Allonby families are mentioned in his poem 'Allonby - Sixty Years Ago'
MUSIC
Solfest Music Festival
Music and arts festival held in August each year.
Maryport Blues Festival
The best of blues
Art Galleries and Museums
Castlegate House Gallery
Located in Cockermouth within a Georgian house, Castlegate House Gallery specialises in internationally renowned artists such as Sheila Fell, Percy Kelly, Frank Auerbach, Grayson Perry, Mary Fedden, Winifred Nicholson, and Norman Cornish, amongst many others. As well as exciting up and coming young talented artists including Richard Fitton, Jess Pigott, Louis Appleby and Alex Hain.
Abbot Hall Gallery
Abott Hall Art Gallery is based in Kendal and exhibitions showcase a variety of works by a wealth of international artists.
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery is Carlisle's finest visitor attraction, and houses considerable collections of fine and decorative art, human history and natural sciences. It also boasts a wide range of exhibitions and events, brought together in one impressive museum and art gallery.
Maryport Maritime Museum
Situated on the harbour in the historic town of Maryport in a building which was originally The Queen's Head Public House. The museum collection consists of objects, photographs and paintings relating to the maritime, industrial and social history of Maryport and is displayed over two floors.
Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry
The Museum is based at Abott Hall in Kendal. Inside you can explore a typical Victorian farmers home from the food in the kitchen, to the elegance of the parlour. Other galleries tell the story of the Arts and Crafts movement and the industrial history of this beautiful part of the world. Here you can discover the Lake District’s past in farming, mining, tanning, and many other ways that people have made a living amongst the fells.
Blackwell The Arts and Crafts House
Blackwell The Arts and Crafts House overlooking Windermere. Enjoy a lovingly crafted day out at one of the most enchanting historic houses in the Lake District.
The Bewery Arts Centre
The Brewery Arts Centre is a thriving and dynamic arts organisation with over forty years experience of delivering an exciting and inspirational programme, including artistic events, festivals and creative learning courses. Our venue is a beautiful, historic building full of charm and set against the backdrop of the picturesque market town of Kendal.