Cumbrian art gallery returns with a major exhibition by internationally renowned artist Julie Brook. 

Abbot Hall is scheduled to reopen on Saturday 20 May 2023, launching a fresh direction for the gallery with a major exhibition by internationally renowned artist Julie Brook. 

What is it That Will Last? (20 May 2023 to 30 Dec 2023) is a multimedia experience spanning three decades of Julie Brook’s work in the UK, Japan and Africa. 

A selection of works from Abbot Hall’s collection will also be on display throughout the exhibition. Selected by Julie Brook, works including those by John Ruskin, Frank Auerbach, JMW Turner and John Piper will further explore the timeless relationship between artist and landscape. 

Julie was in Cumbria last week at a local quarry getting inspiration and ideas for a new outdoor sculpture specially commissioned for the reopening.  

Rhian Harris, Chief Executive Lakeland Arts said: “The reopening of Abbot Hall is great news for Kendal, culture in Cumbria and our visitors from elsewhere. We are really looking forward to May and welcoming back our visitors and supporters. 

“It is incredibly exciting to be reopening with renowned artist Julie Brook. This major exhibition will signal a new direction for Abbot Hall as we focus our programme on the exploration of landscape and identity.”  

Phase I of the Abbot Hall project got underway in summer and good progress is being made on improvements to the Grade I listed building’s electrics, flood resilience, and redecoration, managed by South Lakeland District Council (SLDC), who owns the building.

Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP), with Cumbria County Council as the accountable body, provided funding of £495,000 towards the project through the Government’s Northern Powerhouse initiative made available to the CLEP from the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.