Friday 13 February – Sunday 14 June 2026
Our love of dogs has been part of our national identity for centuries and affection for our canine companions shows no sign of waning.
This exhibition shows the work of international artists, designers, illustrators and photographers who use dogs as their subject matter and inspiration. The show will look at the influence and impact that dogs have had on these artists’ practise and will also give a brief insight into how dogs have become such an integral part of our lives. Artists featured include Sophie Ryder, William Wegman, David Shrigley, Gerrard Gethings, Rafael Mantesso, Holy Smoke, Martha Todd, Shauna Richardson, Lucy Casson, Mychael Barratt, Bryony Rose Jennings, Michael Gillette, John Bond, Zoe Whiteside, Sally Muir, Ryan K Taylor, Sophie Gamand, Georgina Warne, Gemma Rees, Whatshisname, Lazerian, Margaret Couch Cogswell.
This family friendly exhibition, where well behaved and dry dogs will be allowed in the Gallery for the first time, includes a host of dog themed interactives and competitions. Visitors can draw and display their ‘pooch pawtraits’, share what their dog means to them, and find out what they’d look like as a dog, using our specially commissioned digital interactive. There will also be a spotlight on our very own Cumbrian Canine Heroes.
A Dog’s Life is a 20-21 Visual Arts Centre Touring Exhibition
£4 per person, Children 12 and under plus dogs go free
Open 9.30am to 5pm. Last Entry 4pm
In Exhibition Hall 1
Image credits: Winston Churchill with HMS Exeter, by Rosie Fielder & Julie Trice
The Longest Yarn 2 | A Thread Through History
Open now till Tues 28 Apr | 9am – 5pm (last entry at 4pm)
Rheged is delighted to host The Longest Yarn 2, a brand new exhibition of knitted wartime scenes, depicting life in Britain during World War II. Volunteer knitters from across the UK created this stunning exhibition made from yarn. Comprising of 8 life-sized knitted heroes and 80 individual scenes, including rationing, building Anderson shelters in back gardens, growing vegetables in parks, evacuees, the land army, the Blitz and VE celebrations.
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Fashion in the Ration with Author, designer, and knitting Expert Susan Crawford
In this talk, Susan will discuss the impact that the war and rationing had on the wool industry, explain how clothes rationing worked, and describe how knitting and repairing became a significant part of the war effort through the ‘Make Do and Mend’ campaign. She will also share helpful hints that we can all carry into modern-day life
25 Ap | 5:30pm
Upcoming & Past Exhibitions
Libby Edmondson’s Pop-Up Print Shop
Now open near our Gallery, visit our pop-up print shop dedicated to the vibrant work of Libby Edmondson with over 20 prints to choose from as well as a range of her Hare and Cheetah Sculptures.
All the artwork is available to take away on the day of your visit. You simply fill in the order form and take it the Gallery Desk where the team will be delighted to help.
Open daily 10am-5pm
Community Gallery
COMING SOON:
FROM FIELD TO FUTURE: 90 YEARS OF PENRITH YOUNG FARMERS
This new display explores the last 90 years of Penrith Young Farmers, taking you back to life as a young farmer in 1936 and bringing you right through to the present day. It is a story of
community and resilience, set against the backdrop of an ever evolving farming industry.
Young Farmers clubs have been a core element of rural life for over 100 years across the UK. They create a space for learning and socialising for young people who share an interest in agriculture, while also offering once in a lifetime opportunities, from competitions to travel and personal development.
Penrith Young Farmers Club (PYFC) is one of 25 Young Farmers clubs in Cumbria, now celebrating its 90th year. We run weekly meetings for members and anyone interested in joining, offering a welcoming and supportive environment for young people with a passion for all things agriculture.
This exhibition aims to take you on a journey through the last 90 years of the club, showing the impact of national events on farming while also highlighting why Young Farmers clubs remain such a vital part of the countryside today.
Creative Classes
