Central to the work of William Blacklock, Sam Bough and Thomas Bushby is the notion of place – the unique landscapes of Carlisle and Cumberland that inspired them. Although they were working within a similar timeframe, their approaches to capturing what they saw were quite different. They range from the personal and intimate to the grand and sublime, from accurate topographic records to loose artistic interpretations, and from bustling, busy cityscapes to empty, desolate landscapes. Although different in temperament, all three artists produced paintings and drawings that are both beautifully observed and brilliantly executed. Their works take the visitor on a journey, starting bang in the centre of Carlisle before rippling out to the neighbouring villages and beyond to the Lakes, Fells and wild places further afield.

Picturing Place is a tribute to the richness of Tullie’s own collections, which contain more works by each of the three artists than any other public gallery. The exhibition also features works by artists that influenced Blacklock, Bushby and Bough, including an exceptional watercolour of the Lake District by JMW Turner.

Pictured: Baggage Wagons Approaching Carlisle, Oil on canvas by Sam Bough (1822-1878)