THE private art collection of one of the most influential and respected figures in Cumbria's cultural landscape is to go under the hammer.

A champion of art in the Lake District and beyond, Mary Burkett OBE died suddenly at home at Isel Hall near Cockermouth late last year, aged 90.

Her estate totals 543 lots of personal items - including her substantial art collection built up over many years - and will go on sale at Mitchells of Cockermouth as part of a sale next month.

Mitchells director and auctioneer Mark Wise said: "It’s a privilege and very fitting to act in the sale of Mary’s estate. She was a familiar figure here at Mitchells and attended our sales regularly over many years.

"She was an astonishing person with huge energy who dedicated a large proportion of her life championing local artistic talent in an unselfish and philanthropic fashion. I really cannot imagine, in the increasingly commercial world that we live in, where the next Mary Burkett will come from."

One of the main highlights of the sale is a unique collection of illustrated letters by the Workington-born artist Percy Kelly (1918-1993) which he sent to Mary, his friend and mentor, over a period of 25 years from 1968 until his death in 1993.

The correspondence consists of 141 lots with estimates ranging from £50-£600.

Beatrix Potter fans will be excited by an original pencil sketch of Jemima Puddle-Duck which is up for sale and is expected to make £6,000-£9,000.

Mary’s collection also includes three artworks by the German artist Kurt Schwitters, who made his home in Ambleside in the final years of his life.

His 'Landscape from Sweden Bridge', signed with initials and dated, is valued at £2,500-£3,500.

The sale also features a special section of 45 artworks by the Kendal-born artist Lorna Graves with varying estimates including two ceramic raku animals valued at £50-£80.

A unique collection of letters to Mary from Stalin’s daughter Svetlana Alliluyeva is also in the sale.

The letters discuss various subjects including religion, Russian politics and her views on life in Britain and the US as well as her early experience after defection in 1967 and is valued at £800-£1,200.

Mary was a champion of arts in the county and actively supported many charitable causes during her lifetime including The Lakeland Arts Trust, Rosehill Theatre, The Senhouse Roman Museum, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, The Wordsworth Trust, The Armitt Museum, The Romney Society and Cumbria Community Foundation, where she established a fund to support local artistic talent.

The sale takes place on September 3 and 4. Proceeds will be dealt with under the terms of Mary’s will, which includes some local charities as beneficiaries.

A fully illustrated catalogue, including images and close-ups of all lots to be sold, can be viewed online at www.mitchellsantiques.co.uk.

Call Wise on 01900 827800 with any queries.