AN exhibition commemorating the lives of local men who gave the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War will be opening in the Lake District this November. 

In line with Armistice Day, The Keswick Lads will be on display at the Threlkeld Village Hall from November 1 - 11. 

The exhibition, which is the work of David Robinson who grew up around the area, features the portraits of over 20 soldiers from the area who gave their lives. 

Having retired from his job at Huddersfield University, David said the exhibition was a bit of a 'project' that ended up growing after visiting the website Keswick at War. 

James Welsh, age 24, killed in action, 18th November 1916. He was the youngest son of William and Annie Welsh, 23 Church St, Keswick.James Welsh, age 24, killed in action, 18th November 1916. He was the youngest son of William and Annie Welsh, 23 Church St, Keswick. (Image: Supplied)

"When you get to a certain age your awareness of relatives and people that came before you becomes a bit more pertinent, I suppose.”

“I tied it in with Ancestry.co.uk, as well as having a little bit about when and where these people were killed, there was also information about their families and where they lived.

“It started there. Along the way, I thought it would be interesting to do some portraits using the pictures on the website.

“It was as much a history project as an art project," he said. 

The portraits include notable local figures such as George Banks Wivvell, the son of the owners of the Keswick Hotel, and soldiers Thomas A Hodgson, James Towers, Fred Wilson, and Thomas B Postlethwaite, among others.

Christopher Williamson age 30, killed in action, 11th Feb 1917. He was the son of Daniel and Sarah Ann Williamson of KeswickChristopher Williamson age 30, killed in action, 11th Feb 1917. He was the son of Daniel and Sarah Ann Williamson of Keswick (Image: Supplied)

Each portrait will feature biographical information about the soldiers, where they grew up, and how they died during the war. 

David hopes the exhibition will encourage visitors to reflect on the lessons of the past, especially in light of current global conflicts.

“With stuff going on all around the world, Ukraine and Israel/Palestine, we’re not far away from people getting killed for no particular reason, it’s important we remember the past and learn lessons from it.

“It’s important to remember those who gave their lives for the country," he said.