A FORMER aquarium boss has launched a revamped art gallery in Windermere.

Leisure industry veteran Matthew Titherington, former boss of Sea Life Blackpool credits a ‘life shift’ as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic to his rekindled love of art.

Along with wife Dawn, he has taken over Windermere Fine Art Gallery in the picturesque Lake District town – and given it a complete make-over by hand during the periods of lockdown.

Matthew said: “Lockdown gave us all a chance to reflect, learn new skills and revisit hobbies. I decided it was time to follow my passion for art combined with my love of the Lake District. I saw lots of people re-engaging with their hobbies, dreams and creativity.”

Taking over from retiring owner Bill Dines, who had run the well-known gallery for 16 years, the couple have refurbished the established gallery and also opened a new second exhibition gallery on Beech Street.

It is showcasing the best of British contemporary artists, including those normally represented by London galleries, such as Haidee Jo Summers, Rob Poynton, Andrew Farmer, Michael Ashcroft, Steven Smith, Adam Ralston and Norman Long. They include members of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, the Royal Society of Marine Artists and the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts.

Matthew said: "“The two galleries will allow us to show beautiful original art from varied artists, but also to work with local people and schools to encourage them to get out and have go and meet the artists through talks and demonstrations,”

Matthew’s love of art and inspiration for the life swap stemmed from his father, an established artist from Liverpool, who worked at Edge Hill University as head of art and design.

He has worked in the leisure industry for 30 years, many spent running busy attractions on Blackpool’s Golden Mile, for leading companies including First Leisure plc, Trevor Hemmings’ Leisure Parks and, in most recent years, Merlin Entertainments, the world’s second largest leisure corporation.

He said: “It was the right time to make the change,” he said. “Windermere is the gateway to the Lake District, one of the natural wonders of the world. It has inspired poets and writers, such as Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, along with musicians and artists for generations.

“We don’t want to compete with the other galleries locally, we want to complement them by bringing something different and making Windermere once again a ‘go-to’ destination for art lovers and collectors.

“We plan to put on regular exhibitions, bringing a variety of artists to the Lake District and showcasing the very best of British contemporary art.”