Kendal's Outlet Gallery is where artistic design with a functional purpose come together (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Kendal's Outlet Gallery is where artistic design with a functional purpose come together

8:40am Saturday 26th November 2011 in Art By Adrian Mullen, Arts correspondent

Kendal has a new arts space.

Down by the River Kent next to the Waterside restaurant, Outlet Gallery has pulled together an impressive collection of innovative artists under its creative roof.

Co-owned by Alison Ireland and partner, designer-maker, Charlie Whinney, among the many artists exhibiting are screenprinter, Judy Evans, ceramicist, Alvin Irving, and Dalton’s Zoe Arnold Bennett.

Also displayed are lampshades and wonderful symmetrical patterns made out of everyday objects such as plant pots and plastic cutlery by Birmingam artist Taz Lovejoy.

Charlie created the organic flowing shapes of steam bent wood to accompany the twinkling lights strewn above shoppers heads in Kendal’s Wainwright’s Yard.

Alison also runs Art for Architecture, which she set-up in 2010, working from a shed in Witherslack, with a view to promoting UK artists work to international hotel projects.

She said she had spent many nights in international hotels where the artwork was overlooked and often dull and uninspiring and decided to do something about it - provide them with real art.

Now Art for Architecture has around 50 European artists who all offer different and striking techniques and styles to transform hotel projects around the world from Washington DC to Singapore and China.

Outlet is where artistic design with a functional purpose come together.

Explained Alison: “We want it to also be an outlet for conversation and social gatherings, and we intend to hold frequent evening events. The artworks and objects will be curated into themed exhibitions within the gallery together with the story behind each piece and its maker. The collection will change and develop as more artists finish producing their bespoke pieces for display.”

On Thursday, December 1, from 6.30pm, Outlet opens its artistic doors for the launch of its Christmas Collection.