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Abbot
Hall is one of the few places that you can see and enjoy art in
a truly relaxed and friendly atmosphere. A vibrant but manageable
selection of works is displayed with care, and can be enjoyed in
the setting of elegant Georgian rooms of classical proportions.
The setting, architecture and light filled rooms combine to create
a special magic, giving you the impression
of looking at art in the relaxed atmosphere of someone's home.
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"...seeking instead to put on shows that challenge, revise and redefine, Abbot Hall has made itself a national player."
Waldemar Januszczak, Sunday Times, 25 July 2004
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Abbot Hall is a jewel of a building sitting on the banks of the River
Kent, surrounded by a park and overlooked by the ruins of Kendal Castle.
Well known for its fine collection of British art, Abbot Hall is also
highly acclaimed for its stimulating exhibition programme. In recent
years the gallery has hosted major exhibitions by leading artists,
including Lucian Freud, Bridget Riley, Euan Uglow and Walter Richard
Sickert. |
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The permanent collection at Abbot Hall alone is well worth a visit.
In the restored rooms you can view 18th century paintings in their
period setting, alongside furniture and objets dŐart of the time.
There is a collection of society portraits of the day including key
works by ReynoldŐs rival George Romney (1734-1802), who served his
apprenticeship in Kendal. |
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"This is a charming gallery...Rarely
is one able to stroll
around
such an elegant house and be permitted to
gaze
and study the work so freely."
Diana Crighton, "English Excursions", Published 1998
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The collections range from the 18th century to contemporary work
and include examples by many of Britain's leading artists such as
Ramsay, Lawrence, Ruskin, Turner, Nicholson, Schwitters, Spencer
and Hepworth. These works and many others are shown on a rotation
basis so it is advisable to contact us prior to your visit if there
is something specific you wish to see.
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Abbot Hall is managed by the Lakeland Arts Trust (Charity No: 526980),
and its main purpose is to provide people with the opportunity to
experience important works of art first hand, from a wide range
of periods. With this in mind, the Trust has been very active in
trying to build up its permanent collection and has been greatly
helped in this by its many supporters.
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It is also felt to be important that as many people as possible
benefit from the opportunities Abbot Hall offers, and for them to
gain as much as possible from this experience through education.
The Trust has, therefore, developed an active and innovative education
programme and is committed to continuing to expand this service.
We hope that you will enjoy exploring some of what Abbot Hall has
to offer through this web site and that you will be able to visit
us soon to experience the real thing!
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