The unique friendship between a Cumbrian artist and poet will be explored in an exciting exhibition this month.

More than a dozen Percy Kelly paintings, all from rarely-seen private collections will be at the centre of the art festival organised by Maryport promotion group Maryporters.

It will be held at the Settlement on High Street Maryport, where Percy Kelly first met Millom poet Norman Nicholson at a function in 1959.

The pair developed a close friendship and this festival will bring together experts on each of the men who, although used to talking separately will be in conversation together for the first time.

Another first will be the launch of an interactive book for children about Percy Kelly written by Kelly expert and art dealer Chris Wadsworth.

Dolly Daniel, one of the organisers, said she is excited about the exhibition.

“Kathleen Jones is the Nicholson expert and wrote his biography. Chris Wadsworth is the Kelly expert and she, as well as talking at the festival, will be leading two arts trails to show where the Workington-born artist painted around Maryport. It will be fascinating to hear them together.”

Among the exhibits will be over 100 illustrated letters from Maryport school children, along with some original painted letters from Percy Kelly to his Millom friend .

During the festival which runs next Friday and Saturday, there will be two guided art walks, with just seven places left for 12.30 Saturday.

Antoinette Fawcett of the Nicholson Society will run a creative writing workshop, while local artist Alan Roper will run a drawing class. Kathleen Jones will talk about Nicholson’s life and Chris Wadsworth will launch her children’s book.

The exhibition will also include several pop-up shops.

The exhibition, which will be opened by Workington MP Sue Hayman, officially begins on next Friday, September 28 at 1pm.

However, organisers have decided to open two days earlier to allow school children and the public who do not want to go to workshops to enjoy the event. Entry will be free.

There is only one paid event during the weekend. Entry to a wine and canape evening is £10 and will include the conversation with Kathleen Jones and Chris Wadsworth entitled “Cumbrian Brothers.”

Mrs Daniel said the festival has already attracted people from all over Britain, including from the couple who now live in Percy Kelly’s last home in Norwich.

“It has been a huge undertaking and we are grateful for those who have made it possible – and especially who have made it possible to offer this free of charge. Thank you to Maryport and Allerdale councils, the Hadfield Trust, Cumbria Community Foundation and Abbeyfield Carlisle Community First Fund and to Nikki Shaw.”

For more information or to book for any event, contact Jan McTaggart by email: jmctaggart58@gmail.com