Percy House Gallery
Alex SaintAn art gallery nestled in a building that simply oozes local history. Dating from the 14th century, Percy House belonged to one of the most powerful noble families of the North of England, who had battled heroically for the Royalist establishment (remember Harry Hotspur), only to lead the Catholic rising against them. The house itself is a study in high-fashion refurbishment, the first of which happened in 1598 when a stunning Tudor ceiling was installed.
Despite the building and the artworks taking a knock in the devastating 2009 Cockermouth floods, much of it has been saved and restored, and the ceiling can still be seen today alongside oak beams, original flagstones, fireplaces and plasterwork. In short, the perfect setting for a contemporary art gallery which majors in painting, photography and craft from local Cumbrian artists and makers.