Left: study for port 6, Francis Bacon

Work by some of Britain's most important painters is on display at Abbot Hall Art Gallery until April 3. The Enduring Image is this year's opening exhibition at the Cumbrian art gallery .

The celebration of 20th century figurative paintings contains work by major names including Francis Bacon, Henry Moore, Stanley Spencer, Lucian Freud, Tony Bevan and Paula Rego.

Right: Mirror, mirror, David Hockney.

The exhibition includes controversial paintings by one of Britain's most significant living artists, Paula Rego, depicting women having an abortion. Known as a triptych, the images represent the most important and ambitious contemporary art purchased by Abbot Hall so far.

Left: part of triptych, Paula Rego.

Director Edward King was thrilled with the gallery's acquisition of Rego's work. He said: "we are delighted the funding bodies were so supportive - enabling us to buy such an impressive and powerful artwork. It will be a wonderful addition to our growing collection of modern art."

Left: Horizon, Tony Bevan

Highlights of the gallery's programme later this year include a Tony Bevan exhibition in the spring and work by Euan Uglow on show in the summer.

Abbot Hall's collections range from 18th century to contemporary work. Its main purpose is to enable people to experience important art works first hand. By attracting visitors, the gallery should generate tourism in a region where visitor figures have been decimated by foot and mouth disease.