The artwork, painted in 1915 by amateur artist Bert Howarth, depicts the village square and medieval gatehouse, and was donated to the village by Mr Howarth’s family after spending decades in Bournemouth.
Mr Howarth, who once owned the Newby Bridge Hotel, painted the scene from a viewpoint looking toward Cavendish Street, capturing the fish slabs, gatehouse, and daily life in early 20th century Cartmel.
Maude Rubner, niece of Mr Howarth’s late wife and her namesake, travelled to Cartmel with her daughter, Deborah, to personally deliver the painting.
Ms Rubner, now 101, recalled being asked by her Aunt Maude to work in Cumbria during the early 1940s when wartime shortages made staffing difficult.
Deborah Mazlan, Ms Rubner’s daughter, said: “The painting’s had a prominent place in mum’s home for so many years, but she really wanted it to go back to where she feels it belongs and can be appreciated by many more people.”
The painting is now displayed in the main dining room of The Cavendish Arms, just beyond the gatehouse featured in the artwork.
Cartmel Village Society (CVS) was contacted by Mr Howarth’s family, who wished for the painting to return to the village.
Ian Holcroft, Chair at Cartmel Village Society, said: “As a charity, we do what we can every year to give to people, from local schools and community groups to heritage projects, church events, and village festivals.
“To that end, it’s fairly unusual to be on the receiving end of someone else’s generosity, so we’re immensely grateful to Maud, Deborah, and all of the late Mr Howarth’s family for entrusting us with this special piece of artwork.
“We will treasure it, and we’re sure it will be much admired by visitors to Cartmel and its new home of The Cavendish Arms for many more years.”