August 20 2026 Pub transformed into a community arts space
The Royal Oak in Lindale, a popular food pub near Grange-over-Sands, is now hosting monthly exhibitions featuring guest artists.This month, it is showcasing the work of wildlife artist Marianne Birkby.Each exhibit will see a new artist displayed across the pub’s walls, transforming it into a space that celebrates creativity as well as cuisine.Marianne Birkby, a South Lakes-based artist, said: “I am delighted to be featured as guest artist at the Royal Oak, bringing art into the heart of a community is a wonderful idea.”Her exhibition will run until September 7 and includes a selection of her paintings, drawings and prints, all inspired by the natural world.
Plans are already underway to expand the pub’s creative offerings, with art workshops set to be introduced in the near future.
The Royal Oak was recently taken over by Ivo Freiesleben, who is behind the artistic transformation
Located close to the village of Cartmel and just off the A590, the Royal Oak offers traditional British food and a wide selection of drinks in a relaxed setting.
Marianne Birkby has exhibited at the Mall Galleries in London and has curated art trails, featuring internationally recognised artists, that have been featured in Cumbria Life and the Culture Guide of The Guardian. Westmorland Gazette August 2026
Curated Exhibitions
I enjoy curating exhibitions and have been privileged to curate work by amazing artists in gallery settings alongside curating exhibitions of my own work.
Image from the Westmorland Gazette describing From High Fells to High Seas at the Armitt in Ambleside.
Rock Solid 2
Cumbria Life June 2024 article about Rock Solid 2:
“a unique celebration of Lakeland’s jewel like geology, landscape, flora and fauna seen through the lens of a quixotic plan to bury atomic wastes deep under the Cumbrian coast and the sea”
Big Inspiration, Kendal Museum 2010
“PREPARE to be inspired as an exciting and innovative arts project creates a buzz around town. Big Inspiration 2010 is set to put Kendal Museum firmly in the picture as it teams up with some of the leading lights of Green Door Studios to stage the second BI exhibition and arts trail. Following on from the success of the premier 2008 event, GDS artist and BI founder Marianne Birkby said the idea of the biennial exhibition was to bring together art, science and history in creative connections with diverse artistic talents.” Westmorland Gazette
Marianne Birkby Gallery 