AN AWARD-winning photographer is taking on a new business hoping to bring more local artists to the fore in Keswick.  

After an extensive 18-month search for the perfect location, Tim Fisher found the ideal spot in Cherrydidi, just 55 yards away from his already-established Northern Lights Gallery on St Johns Street. 

"When Cherydiddi came up, it made perfect sense. 

"It was really good timing. I've been to exhibitions both locally such as Skipton and in London, I've got a roster of artists I'd like to represent but it's not always feasible in one space.

"We won't be representing the same artists as in Northern Lights, it'll be different in that way," he said. 

The Pole Star Gallery hopes to open to the public in the next two months and will run over two levels. 

"The business was sound before it packed up, so there's no need to deviate too much. Those artists doing well before are being brought back. 

"It's quite exciting to fashion something new but similar. 

"Both businesses will cross-pollinate. It will do the business in St Johns Street, 55 yards away, no harm at all. 

"The ethos is fairly similar in that there will be an emphasis on local artists, whether that be Cumbria, or predominately north," he said. 

The Pole Star is currently advertising for a gallery manager and gallery assistant.

"The new gallery manager will have free reign to some extent to make the place their own. 

"The response has been really good so far. People are encouraged and enthused.

"I'm taking it much the same with a fresh look, fresh team, and business as usual," Tim said.  

In October 2023, the Cherrydidi gift shop shut its physical premises to concentrate on online sales after nearly a decade of fanning local artistic talent.