Good news about the Percy Kelly exhibition at Theatre by the Lake

Extra date added due to popular demand for world premiere public screening

We'll be opening our gallery doors for the The Percy Kelly: Scene and Unseen exhibition in just two weeks' time, and we can't wait to welcome you in!

The world premiere public screening of never before seen footage sold out within hours of the event going on sale, so we've added an extra date to give you another chance to snap up a ticket to this special event...

A special exhibition by arrangement with Chris Wadsworth for the benefit of Cumbria Theatre Trust, trading under the name Theatre by the Lake.

Percy Kelly: Scene and Unseen

Exhibition: Saturday 30 March - Saturday 20 April I Free entry

World premiere public film screening: Sat 13 April SOLD OUT; Thu 18 April at 7pm TICKETS AVAILABLE | Tickets £17.50

Percy Kelly: Scene and Unseen will see the world premiere public screening of unseen footage of Percy Kelly’s works on 8mm.

In Spring 2023 Chris Wadsworth, founder of Castlegate House Gallery and representative of the Percy Kelly estate, received a mysterious email asking if she would be interested in a film and a letter from an artist called Percy Kelly addressed to a gallery owner in Paris. Chris replied with caution; Percy died 30 years ago leaving nothing about ever being in Paris. The correspondent had not been able to watch the 8mm cinefilm footage, but the letter, signed and dated 1964, proved to be genuine.

What followed is an astonishing tale, which is still unfolding today.

Learn more about Percy Kelly and the story behind this latest discovery through film footage, an introduction and Q&A from Chris Wadsworth and a special guest who was present when the film was made.

Exhibition

This extraordinary exhibition showcases more than 50 paintings, drawings and original prints direct from acclaimed West Cumbrian artist Percy Kelly’s estate. Some of the works have never been seen before, all are available for sale.

Sales of exhibited works in the Gallery will include paintings, drawings and a collection of prints made by Percy Kelly, as well as limited editions of etchings created from Kelly’s original plates. Sales will be open to the public throughout the exhibition, with proceeds donated to the theatre.