SHIPPING BROW GALLERY - CHECK IT OUT!
Date Posted: 19th November 2023
Apologies for the long gap between communications – I’ve had a lot to deal with lately – but you are not forgotten. I have news … lots of news … and all of it good … so far!
I’ve been to Maryport twice this week – both enjoyable trips. On Tuesday I was at the Lifeboat station where Maryport Rescue was celebrating its well deserved King’s Award for Voluntary Service. These dedicated people, like Air Ambulance and Mountain Rescue etc, don’t get any government money - they rely on donations. All of them have ‘proper’ jobs and turn out at all hours and in all weathers (usually bad!). It was a pleasure to meet these highly organized professional volunteers and watch the launch of their boat down the slipway, into the harbour and out to sea (for the television cameras this time). But best of all was to see their new drone in operation which can locate, trace and follow those in difficulty on or in the water.
Last evening saw me again on Maryport harbourside for the opening of the SHIPPING BROW GALLERY – a registered charity - the brainchild of Dolly and Brian Money. Find out more at the web site www.shippingbrowgallery.co.uk. Better still, go and see for yourself. It’s a very exciting project.
Maryport has always attracted artists. (L S Lowry, Sheila Fell, Percy Kelly, June Bennett and many more). This historic building which looks out on to the River Ellen has quite a history – it was once a pub, it housed the Maryport Museum for many years (which is now in transit to be finally housed in the church on the quay) The building has been totally renovated. and it is now showing work by two famous local artists - 19th century William Mitchell and 20th century Percy Kelly. The 2nd floor has been converted to house an artist in residence and the ground floor is showing work for sale by the artist in residence. This place is transformed. It is light and bright and modern and the red interior and navy blue exterior walls shine out across the harbour.
I wish Dolly and Brian all the success they deserve. They have made some bold decisions - all for the benefit of the town.
I’m just putting up some real treats on the web gallery page under WORKS FOR SALE. These are mainly small-ish pics with a few unframed double mounted original prints thrown in for more affordable gifts in these hard times. A price list is available – just ask.
I’m also planning a fundraising exhibition at Theatre by the Lake in the spring of 2024 showing paintings, and prints by Percy Kelly. Every bit of profit will go to support the theatre who have put on some remarkable shows since their long enforced shut down during covid. This county would be a sorry place without theatre and music and galleries. I will let you know the exhibition dates as soon as they have been confirmed.
There is more to follow very soon.