Through the Locking Glass - Exhibition now open

The story of Through the Locking Glass is one of Cumbrian passion, creativity and inspiration in the toughest of times. 

As lockdown was announced in March, we put out a call to the artists of Cumbria to create a piece of work inspired by, and made during, lockdown.

The resulting artworks became a beautiful coffee table book (you can buy it here), which raises funds for local NHS Trusts and grassroots Cumbrian arts. 

And now – in a first for Inspired by Lakeland – it is an exhibition too, with all 80 pieces of art from the book displayed on A2 boards on the walls of the lovely, bright and airy Studio Morland in the softly-spoken Eden Valley hamlet of Morland. Sound instillations by Dan Fox allow visitors to hear poems from the book. There are gardens behind the house to explore and a café (open Wed-Sun) next door, while a wander through the village and alongside the river makes for a rewarding half-day trip.

The exhibition is open 7 days a week 10am-4pm until 30 August, and entry is free. A one-way system and constant fresh air flow mean the exhibition offers a safe space to welcome those who might be venturing to an exhibition for the first time since lockdown. 

For more details see www.thestudiomorland.co.uk/locking-glass

Artist Kate Gilman Brundrett – owner of The Studio Morland – and artist Jamie Barnes hanging the exhibition.

Dan Fox's audio instillation, left.