Percy Kelly: Off the Wall

A special exhibition of paintings, drawings, original prints and etchings from the artist’s estate.

Saturday 25 October – Saturday 15 November 2025

Mezzanine & Circle Levels | Free Entry when the theatre is open, check our opening times: Your Visit

Theatre by the Lake is proud to present PERCY KELLY: OFF THE WALL, an exhibition of original works. Running from Saturday 25 October to Saturday 15 November 2025, this free-entry exhibition takes place across the Mezzanine and Circle levels and features an extraordinary selection of work on paper and original prints in charcoal, pencil and watercolour.

Curated by Chris Wadsworth, founder of Castlegate House Gallery and representative of the Percy Kelly estate, the show invites visitors to view the acclaimed West Cumbrian artist through a bold new lens.

All artworks will be available for purchase, with proceeds donated to support Theatre by the Lake and its charitable mission.

Building on the phenomenal success of last year’s PERCY KELLY: SCENE AND UNSEEN, this new exhibition shines a spotlight on the unexpected narratives through Kelly’s work. Alongside discoveries, the exhibition will also feature Percy Kelly’s depictions of West Cumbrian, evocative, atmospheric scenes that remain central to his legacy.

Simon Stephens, Executive Director and joint CEO of Theatre by the Lake, said: “At Theatre by the Lake, we remain passionately committed to showcasing Cumbrian voices and celebrating the artists who shape our cultural landscape. Percy Kelly’s work is woven into the fabric of Cumbrian identity and continues to inspire and captivate. Following the overwhelming success of Scene and Unseen (2024), we are thrilled to welcome audiences back with Off the Wall. We are deeply grateful to Chris Wadsworth for her support and commitment to championing the region’s cultural heritage.

Chris Wadsworth said, “Expect the Unexpected. Percy Kelly died more than 30 years ago, but he can still surprise and delight. Cumbria has many artists who are attracted by the pretty landscapes, but Kelly’s stark charcoal and chalk, delicate watercolours and ink are very different and catch the deep feeling of place. As well as his West Cumbrian townscapes, prepare for dramatic imagery: still lives, animals, fish and plants made when he was a student at Carlisle College of Art. OFF THE WALL invites you into the wilder corners of Kelly’s creative imagination, mischievous, experimental and defiantly unorthodox.”

ARTIST LEGACY & EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS

Born in Workington, Percy Kelly remained deeply connected to the Cumbrian landscape throughout his life. Though often reclusive, he left behind a body of work rich in emotional depth and technical mastery.

FEATURED TALKS & EVENTS

Tuesday 4 and Tuesday 11 November at 2 pm

Robert Adam Master Printmaker – Percy Kelly’s Prints. A Conversation.

Robert Adam is coming from Graal Press in Edinburgh to share his knowledge about Kelly’s etching process. He made a series of limited editions from some of Kelly’s etching plates for the exhibition last year, which were very popular. This time they include Cockermouth, Braithwaite, Caldbeck, Allonby and more (some places are still unidentified – maybe you can help!)

Friday 31 October and Friday 14 November at 2 pm

Every Picture Tells a Story

Tony and Sal Calvin, who helped curate the show: Informal storytelling about Kelly and his works.

SUPPORTING THE MISSION

The exhibition supports Cumbria Theatre Trust, with proceeds from artwork sales directly funding the theatre’s creative output and community engagement.

PREVIEW NIGHT – INVITATION ONLY
A special preview event will take place on Friday, 24 October, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, including VIPs and Press.

This exhibition is a fundraising event for Cumbria Theatre Trust trading as Theatre by the Lake (charity number 516673).