In 1968 Lowes Court was a derelict coal merchant's cottage about to be demolished as the bulldozers came down the street.

Fortunately a local artist/teacher Lyn Purnell recognised the charm of the building and single handedly negotiated with Ennerdale Rural District Council to save the building.

She gathered together a group of like minded friends to restore the cottage as an exhibition centre for local and Cumbrian artists and craftsmen.

While looking around the ruined building they realised that in fact there was a cottage hidden away, and is now the back gallery.

Undeterred by the Herculean task before them Lyn and the committee of volunteers began the restoration work in 1971.

Both County and local Councils gave financial help, but the remainder of the money had to be raised by the group. Other local art, theatre and music groups generously put on plays, concerts and art shows to finance the building work.

It is incredible today to imagine the sheer hard graft entailed in turning this derelict old building into the treasured Gallery that formally opened in 1973.

We are immensely grateful that Lyn and the committee had the vision and resilience to create the Gallery, which continues today to provide exhibition and selling space for Cumbrian arts and crafts.

Lowes Court also provides space for a gift shop and the Egremont Tourist Information to help locals and visitors to the town.

Lyn Purnell has written a fascinating history of Lowes Court published as a booklet entitled 'HOW IT ALL BEGAN', which is on sale in the Gallery.

A really gripping tale, only £1