Take a break from the demands of modern life at Abbot Hall, a beautiful gallery on the banks of the River Kent in Kendal. Discover thought-provoking artwork, engage in conversations and connect with nature.
Everyday life can take a toll on our mental and physical health. We live within a society which champions productivity and hectic schedules and much of this is beyond our control. It is important that we find ways to slow down, recharge and protect our mental health.
Culture and creativity can have positive impacts on our health and wellbeing, helping us live longer. Research published by the World Health Organisation in 2019 found that engaging with art can reduce stress, increase immunity and help our heart function. At Abbot Hall a key theme throughout the gallery is connecting with nature. According to the Mental Health Foundation (2021), people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life, as nature can generate positive emotions, such as calmness, joy and creativity.
Whether it’s to wander through the light filled galleries overlooking the River Kent, to sit in the riverside garden enjoying the sights and sounds of nature, to flip through our library of books, sit and doodle or listen to stories connected to pictures – we warmly welcome you to enjoy Abbot Hall as a space to retreat, take time for yourself and feel connected to nature through art.
Your nature escapism gallery guide
A contemplative space to explore plant, mineral and animal forms. Drawings and paintings range from the immaculate ‘organic vision’ of John Ruskin, to the observations of an unidentified, voyaging Sea Captain. In the exhibition you will also find Winifred Nicholson’s beautiful paintings of flowers and the letters of Cumbrian artist, Percy Kelly.
Join us in considering the importance of green spaces, biodiversity and the benefits nature has on our health and wellbeing. Uncover the stories, histories and beneficial uses of plants.
Discover delicate drawings, exploring the healing potential of plants and their traditional uses.
Inspired by archival research, artist Charmaine Watkiss examines history and cultural traditions using the unifying theme of plants and their properties. Watkiss’ artwork, primarily consists of intricate pencil drawings, which are then added to with watercolour and ink, and in some cases less conventional materials such as coffee and gold leaf. The artworks contain rich, multi-layered narratives. Each piece highlights the deep connections between ancestry, botany, and cosmology.
This recent body of work is inspired by the artist’s extensive research into historic botanical collections, including a fellowship focused on the work of naturalist, physician, and slave owner Sir Hans Sloane. It was Watkiss’ own relationship with the plants of Jamaica, instilled in her by her mother, that led her to research the influence of Sloane.
The exhibition is a thoughtful depiction of human connectedness to the natural world and our interdependence on biodiversity.
An uplifting space dedicated to exploring the stories of the local landscape, ecology, and the impact of human activity on the environment. The work of contemporary and historical artists will be exhibited in the space alongside young activists from local schools and colleges. Displayed artists include Emma Stibbon, Elizabeth Frink, John Ruskin, Bryan Kneale and George Shaw.
The gallery serves as a lively hub where people can engage with social and environmental issues through the lens of art. We aim to foster knowledge, agency and confidence and to inspire visitors to passionately advocate for our planet.
Johannes Pretorius: Intervention and Renewal
This photography exhibition reveals the story of Kendal farmer James Robinson and his 300-acre organic farm, Strickley. Biodiversity in Britain is rapidly depleting, with less than half of our biodiversity remaining and one in six species at risk of extinction. In facing the reality that three quarters of food crops rely on these very pollinators, farmers like James and his family are joining forces with nature.
In this inspiring exhibition you’ll discover the innovative farming practices of the Robinson family, who work on the farm, managing kilometers of species-rich hedgerows and rewilding woodlands and wetlands. Their ambition is to create and maintain these natural habitats, to increase biodiversity and nurture interdependent species of microorganisms, plants, and animals. The Robinsons are developing restorative approaches that offer solutions for a resilient future.
