April 18, 2025
UK Art

Kirkby Lonsdale art auction supports disaster relief fund


The auction, featuring over 100 pieces of art, will be held at the J36 Rural Auction Centre near Milnthorpe on Friday, April 25 from 7pm.

The event has been put together by the Bentham and District 41 Club, along with a number of local art groups, to support the ‘stricken’ town following the devastating fire in December last year.

READ MORE: Kirkby Lonsdale fire: Businesses feel ‘re-connected’ after road opens | The Westmorland Gazette

Dave Hacking said: “We have approached local art groups and local professional artists – the response has been amazing.

“To date, we have approximately 130 original artworks – it must constitute one of the largest art exhibitions or auctions ever held in this area.”

All proceeds from the auction will be given to the Kirkby Lonsdale Fire
Disaster Recovery Appeal
, which is being managed by the Cumbria Community Fund.

The appeal, which started with a £50,000 donation from Westmorland and Furness Council, has been supported by individuals, community groups, businesses, and charitable trusts.

READ MORE: Sunday Times: Kirkby Lonsdale named one of best places to live in UK | The Westmorland Gazette

The funds brought in have been used to help those directly affected by the fire, including people left homeless and those who lost their jobs or businesses.

Roughly £92,000 has been raised thanks to the appeal since it was first opened with a target of £150,000 still hoped to be reached.

More than 100 residential properties and 84 business properties in the town were directly impacted by the fire on December 8.

Market Street opened at the start of April for the first time since the fireMarket Street opened at the start of April for the first time since the fire (Image: Council)

Earlier this month, Market Street reopened for the first time since the blaze, marking the ‘first step towards some normality’ for residents and businesses in the area.

Viewings of the pieces being sold will be held at the centre on April 17, and then between April 22 to 25, with all sessions running between 10.30am and 4pm.

Entry to the event will be free on the night and anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Jackie Houghton at kirkbylonsdaleartauction@gmail.com.

You can also donate directly to the disaster recovery appeal by visiting the website here.





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