In 1968 Lowes Court was a derelict coal merchant's cottage and was about to be demolished.
Fortunately a local artist/teacher Lyn Purnell negotiated with Ennerdale Rural District Council to save the building. She gathered together a group of like minded friends to restore the cottage as an exhibition centre for local and Cumbrian artists and craftsmen.
Both County and local Councils gave financial help, but the remainder of the money had to be raised by the group. Other local art, theatre and music groups generously put on plays, concerts and art shows to finance the building work.
Undeterred by the amount of work that needed to be done, the renovations started in 1971. It is incredible today to imagine the sheer hard graft entailed in turning this derelict old building into the treasured Gallery that formally opened in 1973.
Lowes Court also provides space for a gift shop and the Egremont Tourist Information to help locals and visitors to the town.
Lyn Purnell has written a fascinating history of Lowes Court published as a booklet entitled 'HOW IT ALL BEGAN', which is on sale in the Gallery.
The gallery has constantly changing exhibitions throughout the year.
All our staff have a good local knowledge and will be happy to help with any enquiries about places to go and stay in the Egremont area.
Lowes Court is an Art Gallery and a retail outlet for Made in Cumbria
merchandise and Local Artists.
10th of June
A quick reminder about the Paul Bainbridge and Derek Eland Exhibition beginning on Saturday June 10th.
Paul has kindly volunteered to sculpt a model of Alan Read so that visitors can see how he works; this is a rare opportunity, so we hope that you will come along. The exhibition is open normal hours but the sculpting will take place between 10.30am and 3.00pm. The preview will be on Sunday June 11th at 7,30pm, a wonderful chance to meet these two well known artists and see the paintings and sculptures.
As a new venture Derek is also showing his latest work in West Cumbria at the Neo gallery in Cockermouth in June so that you can see a full range of his landscapes at both venues, larger pictures in Cockermouth , smaller pieces at Lowes Court.
The following weekend Egremont is hosting an Arts Conference, details will have been in the local press.
As Lowes Court’s contribution we are having ‘Words in the Gallery’, on Saturday June 17th 6.30pm lasting about an hour and a half. Joyce Wilson, Fred Lightfoot and Tom Fletcher are all going to give short readings of their books.
This should be an enjoyable event including drinks and nibbles, food for mind and body!
We look forward to seeing you at these events, there is a lot ‘going on’ in Egremont so do check local press for other happenings!
18 Harpur Place, Thornhill, Egremont, Cumbria. CA22 2SG
01946 824 052
enquiries@visitegremont.co.uk