In our refreshed collection galleries discover the stories of our extraordinary collection pieces and the people connected to them. Historic artists and subjects will be shown alongside works from modern and contemporary eras, telling a diverse story of people; their lived experiences, conflicts and shared commonalities.

Contemporary artists, such as Kendal-based artist Lela Harris have been invited to exhibit alongside the Abbot Hall collection. Highlights from the collection include works by George Romney, Joan Eardley, Lucian Freud, Hilde Goldschmidt, Victor Pasmore, Celia Paul, Kurt Schwitters, Stanley Spencer and Charmaine Watkiss.