LOWES Court Gallery is marking fifty years of service to local artists and craftspeople this July with a special exhibition and open day.

Founded in the early 1970s by a small but dedicated band of local volunteers, the gallery, on Main Street, Egremont, has seen various changes over the years but retains its essential charm and originality.

The distinctive black and white-fronted terraced premises is now run as a not-for-profit limited interest company, having evolved from its original charity status.

The gallery directors and volunteers are staging an open day on Saturday, July 8 (all welcome, 10am - 2pm) at which display boards packed with archival material will feature, going right back to the earliest days.

A spokesperson said: "The gallery will be especially pleased to welcome any previous members of staff, volunteers, and gallery friends from over the years to come and share their memories and see what the gallery has to offer today.

"There will be refreshments and a tombola at the Open Day, and a 10 per cent discount on sales during the day.

"On now, and running until July 29, is an Open Competition exhibition wall entitled ‘Celebration’, a theme chosen by the gallery as a focus for any art or craftwork to depict the joy of self-expression through visual art that can be obtained through appreciation of our local area.

"The founders of Lowes Court always knew that there was a need for an outlet in which Cumbrian-based talent could be shown, and although there have been struggles at times to keep going, the Gallery is still there to meet that need."

Lowes Court stocks a wide range of locally produced arts and crafts, paintings and photographs by gallery artists, prints and cards, textiles, glassware, jewellery, wood, and more.

The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday between 10am and 1.30pm.