THE popular image of Cumbrian history is one of violence and lawlessness, of Border Reivers and the Debatable Lands; an area which many monarchs tried and failed to control.

So it came as something of a surprise to members of the Friends of Penrith and Eden Museum to be told by art historian David Cross, quoting artist Marshall Hall, that 'there are more artists and writers in Cumbria than in any other area of Britain apart from London'.

Some of them learned their craft at the Carlisle Academy of Art, which was demolished in the 1950s.

David’s own view is that Britain as a nation is more literary than visual.  

In his illustrated talk, 'Beyond the canon – less familiar Lakeland artists', he sought to redress that balance.

David bypassed the expected Lakeland landscape artists, introducing his audience instead to portraitists, marine artists and painters of historical scenes.

News and Star: PAINTING: Carlisle Academy of Art which was demolished in the 1950sPAINTING: Carlisle Academy of Art which was demolished in the 1950s

London has for centuries been the vibrant centre for the arts.  

George Romney, born in 18th century in Dalton-in-Furness, decided his chosen metier as a portrait artist would be best fulfilled in the capital.  

William Gilpin, described as 'an important advocate of the picturesque in the 18th century', promoted his rather strange belief that when painting landscapes only three, five, seven or some other odd number of animals should be shown in a field - not an even number.

His kinsman Sawrey Gilpin went to London to sell his canvasses,  some of his paintings, mainly equestrian, being in the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle.

The family also encouraged the artistic talents of their gardener, John Warwick Smith.

Robert Smurfitt was commissioned to paint Sir John Falstaff, Shakespeare’s most famous comic creation, interestingly based on a real-life but much less pleasant character, said David.

Smurfitt also painted Nelson after the Battle of the Nile, but his radical views proved to be a stumbling block to further commissions, the audience heard.

More positive in his effect on society was the sculptor David Dunbar who, together with his contemporary Musgrave – 'the greatest sculptor of the 19th century' – also went to London at a time when the prestige of the Royal Family, following the reigns of George IV and William III, was at a low ebb.

The sculptors were required to produce works which sought to change that view and support the new Queen - Victoria.

Sheila Fell, RA, known for her simple style, was a friend of LS Lowry. Dora Carrington of the Bloomsbury Set was also a visitor.

The broad base of David's subject was matched by the eclectic nature of his own background.

The description ‘writer, lecturer and art historian’ far from covers the  breadth of his interests and achievements. His biography indicates he has directed productions of Shakespeare, Wilde and Offenbach, organized speaking competitions, taught ballroom dancing, maintained a 300-acre woodland estate – and set up a skateboard club.