Gravestone of Li Yuan Chia, Artist

One of the first significant modern artists to emerge from China during the 20th century, he made an unforgettable impact on the local community.

In 1968 Li met Cumbrian painter Winifred Nicolson,  she became his patron and persuaded him to leave London for a more remote location near her own home.

Li converted The Banks, a farm building at Bankside, near Brampton. The work, which he carried out himself, also included a gallery, library &  theatre.  He spent 25 years here until his death in 1994.

Born in China in 1929, Li was educated in Taiwan. He worked and exhibited in Italy before moving to London in 1963.

Li died at the Eden Valley Hospice in Carlisle of intestinal cancer.

He was buried at Lanercost Priory in the valley below Banks, with both an Anglican and a Chinese ceremony at the graveside.

His grave in Lanercost cemetery is marked by a tall stone inscribed with his Time-Life-Space emblem carved in local red sandstone by his friend the sculptor Bryant Fedden.

The LYC Foundation

The LYC foundation is a charitable organisation devoted to the care and conservation of the work of Li Yuan-chia.

Their long-term project is to create a museum of Li’s work in the house at Banks, Cumbria with plans to restore the building and re-open it as a permanent exhibition of Li’s life and work. The project will include a space for temporary exhibitions, literary and musical events, living quarters for the Museum’s curator, a studio and living accommodation for an artist/poet in residence, and a garden/ car park.

More information
BBC Radio 4 programme synposis – A programme on BBC Radio 4, broadcast on 22nd December 2009 looked at the life and career of Li Yuan Chia.
Li Yuan-Chia ( LYC ) Foundation

Charles Howard was created Earl of Carlisle by Charles II. This title was to remain in the Howard family at Castle Howard until the division of the family estates after the death of the 9th Earl and Countess.

On the opposite side of the path from the Earl’s graves is the resting place of Ankaret Cecelia Carolyn Jackson (nee Howard). Wife of William Jackson & daughter of Charles James Stanley Howard, 10th Earl of Carlisle.

Alongside this is William Jackson 7th Baronet and his second wife Ina.

As one enters the priory gates, there is a small group of three trees to the left.  These were planted in 1964 in memory of George, the 11th Earl of Carlisle by his son Charles.

Woodland resting place for the animals of Dalemain.

The oldest of the graves belongs to Bunty, the children’s Cairn Terrier 1931 – 1941, with others belonging to Jack the Bearded Collie 1942 – 1956 and seven of the corgis including; Sunny, Bumble, Honey, Tim and lastly Barney all between 1945 and 1974.

Bunty, the children's Cairn Terrier headstone 1931-1941

Buried alongside the family pets are Heather the Fell Mare 1962 – 1989 and the well known black Fell Stallion Dalemain Nettle 1968 – 1989, whos prizewinning stock were renowned for their exceptionally good temperament. Owned and bred by Mrs. McCosh of Dalemain.

The Stallion, Dalemain Nettle on the right, running out with mares and foals

Above image courtesy of The Fell Pony Society