Lowes Court Gallery
Alex SaintScheduled for demolition in the late 1960s, Lowes Court Gallery in Egremont, Cumbria is a former coal merchant’s cottage. It was rescued by a local artist/teacher who galvanised the local community into a herculean restoration and fundraising programme. The fruit of their labours is this lovely gallery – now a thriving 40 years old – that aims to showcase the quality of traditional and contemporary Cumbrian craft, led by a membership of artists. As well as a shop Lowes Court Gallery also serves as a Visitor Information Centre. Ask them to point you in the right direction for Hartleys Ice Creamery to choose from one of their 50 seriously good flavours (story has it that an enterprising Mr Hartley started out selling ices from a motorycycle side car, and inspiring a small family empire of parlours and outlets across the county) and Florence Mine.