Portrait Galleries
14 February – 31 December 2025
Discover the stories of Abbot Hall’s extraordinary collection pieces and the people connected to them. Historic artists and subjects are shown alongside works from modern and contemporary eras, telling a diverse story of people; their lived experiences, conflicts and shared commonalities.
Contemporary artists, such as Kendal-based artist Lela Harris have been invited to exhibit alongside the Abbot Hall collection. Highlights from the collection include works by George Romney, Joan Eardley, Lucian Freud, Hilde Goldschmidt, Victor Pasmore, Celia Paul, Kurt Schwitters, Stanley Spencer and Charmaine Watkiss.
You’ll be able to see The Great Picture which depicts the accomplishments and family history of Lady Anne Clifford (1590-1676). Painted during the English Civil War, it is a rare celebration of the life of a woman from that period. Through a combination of portraits, words and symbols it represents Anne’s fight for her rights, her intelligence and her talent as a writer.
Further information
- Opening times: 10am-4pm, Wednesday – Saturday (from 24 May 2023); Opening weekend: 10am-4pm Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May 2023; Annual closure dates: 25 – 26 December 2024. The gallery also closes for two weeks collection care and maintenance at the start of January every year
- Admission: You can book your gallery tickets online or buy on the day: £9 Adult; £7 Student; £4.50 Child (5-15yrs); £0 Child (0-4yrs); Free for Lakeland Arts Members; With a National Art Pass you get 50% off day admission
- Location: Abbot Hall, Kirkland, Kendal LA9 5AL. Parking: Pay and display parking in the Abbot Hall car park – there are parking spaces for Blue Badge holders
- For more information please call 015394 722464. email: info@lakelandarts.org.uk
- Instagram @abbothall; Facebook @abbothall
