The Lake District has inspired countless generations of artists and while practically every street corner has a gallery offering watercolours of every conceivable view, you have to go to Kendal to see a selection of the work of the past masters. Sir Edward Lear is of course remembered for his inimitable limericks, but his prowess as a watercolour artist is less well known. In his youth to make ends meet he produced Lakeland views on almost a production line, working on several at once - painting all the same colour parts of each in turn. Several of his paintings are here on show at Kendal as are those of many other artists whose associations with the Lakes range from fleeting to lifelong obsession. Ruskin's associations with the Lakes are also well known, and several of his works are here, but J.M.W Turner came on two tours of Northern England in 1797 and 1816, and it was the inspiration gained on the visit to Lakeland that resulted in his first major recognition when his painting entitled "Morning among the Coniston Fells" was accepted by the Royal Academy. Cozens also is represented, while the role call of twentieth century names includes Ben Nicolson, Sutherland, Piper and Spencer.
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