A captivating new art exhibition featuring powerful depictions of West Cumbria’s industrial heritage will open at The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven.
Running from 18 January through to 30 March in the museum’s Light and Dark Gallery, ‘Inspired by Industry’ delves into West Cumbria’s rich industrial heritage through the eyes of some of the region’s most celebrated artists.
Curated by the in-house team at The Beacon Museum in collaboration with Chris Wadsworth and Tony and Sal Calvin, ‘Inspired by Industry’ showcases a remarkable array of works selected from the museums ‘Copeland Collection’, community art collection and artworks kindly on loan.
Visitors will journey through artistic representations of West Cumbria’s industrial changes – from the pioneering days of coal and iron ore mining to the production of steel, textiles, chemicals, and nuclear energy. Each piece tells a unique story, capturing the essence of the region shaped by innovation, hard work and community spirit.
A special highlight of the exhibition is the inclusion of 11 previously unseen works by Percy Kelly. One of Cumbria’s most distinguished artists. These never-before-displayed pieces offer a rare glimpse into Kelly’s vivid portrayals of the region’s industrial scenes, bringing new perspectives to his celebrated legacy.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
“This exhibition is a testament to the spirit and creativity of West Cumbria. The Beacon team, along with their co-curators, have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. The result is a stunning showcase of West Cumbria’s industrial heritage that brings stories to life featuring fantastic artwork and, for the first time, a rare glimpse at some of Percy Kelly’s unseen pieces.”
Throughout the exhibition, co-curators will host informal talks, offering insights into the artists on display. These sessions, included with museum admission, provide a deeper understanding of the themes explored in the collection. For dates and details, please visit The Beacon Museum’s website: www.thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk
Chris Wadsworth will deliver an exclusive talk, ‘Percy Kelly – Whitehaven in the swinging sixties’ on Saturday 1 February. This ticketed event promises to be an enlightening exploration of Kelly’s work and its connection to the cultural shifts of the 1960’s. With limited availability, early booking is highly recommended.