CUMBRIAN artwork created during the Covid-19 lockdown is being celebrated in a new book launched at an Eden Valley gallery.

’Through the locking glass – What Cumbrian artists did during lockdown’ is a 168-page book of illustration, print, fine art, poetry, photography and sculpture made by artists throughout the county.

It is published by Keswick-based Inspired by Lakeland. All profits from sales will be shared between local NHS Trusts and Cumbrian arts organisations.

The book will be officially launched at a two-week exhibition held at The Studio Morland in the Eden Valley.

80 artworks will be displayed, alongside statements from artists detailing how their lives and work changed during lockdown.

The exhibition – the first at The Studio Morland since lockdown measures were introduced in March – will see visitors take a one-way route through the gallery, with numbers limited and social distancing measures in place. Poetry from the book will be broadcast using a purpose-built sound installation sculpture.

Kate Brundrett, Director of The Studio Morland, said of the project: ”We wanted our first event since lockdown to celebrate the talents of Cumbrian artists, but also create a gentler exhibition experience than usual for the many people making a first trip out.

"The one-way system will allow a natural flow through the space into the beautiful gardens behind, allowing for further exploration and to be surrounded by nature.

"Weekend performances and events will augment the exhibition.”

Publisher David Felton said: “The Coronavirus lockdown has been devastating to many Cumbrian artists and small businesses.

"At the same time, it has been a chance to slow down, reflect, and engage with a much smaller area around us. ‘Through the locking glass’ is an artistic response to these confined times, capturing a unique moment in human history. It has been the most inspiring project I have worked on.

"Even in the darkest of times Cumbrian artistic folk rose to the challenge of creating an extraordinary body of artwork – some of it heartbreaking, some of it challenging, some of it funny and much of it hopeful:”

The artwork was submitted after a call in March for artists to capture their feelings about lockdown.

Over 200 pieces were submitted, including portraits of NHS key workers, a woodland installation of ceramic leaves, a pop-up ‘isolation booth’ that provided community art to the residents of Dalton-on-Furness and a stained glass window featuring a Kendal skyline.

A selection can be viewed online at: www.inspiredbylakeland.co.uk/post/out-now-through-the-locking-glass.

The exhibition runs 15-30 August, 10am-4pm at The Studio Morland www.thestudiomorland.co.uk.

The book will be on sale throughout the exhibition and can also be purchased online at www.inspiredbylakeland.co.uk.