IN the days before motor cars and dual carriageways the quickest way to get from the Lancaster side to Morecambe Bay to Grange or Cartmel was to venture on to the sands by horse, in a carriage, or on foot.

The sands crossing could save a traveller many hours but the trip could only be made when the tide was out and with the help of a guide who knew a safe route – avoiding quick sands and deep sections of river.

The potentially dangerous crossing of what were termed the Lancaster Sands attracted artists, including the Birmingham-born David Cox.

He visited North Lancashire in 1834 and completed several scenes of people making the bay journey.

One of his oil paintings called Crossing the Sands is on display in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

It was left to the city by Birmingham businessman Joseph Henry Nettlefield – on condition it was shown in a gallery lit by electricity.

As a result, in 1902, Birmingham became the first museum and art gallery in the country to boast this new form of lighting.

A few feet from the painting is a sculpture showing the artist – it was the first object given to the city’s collection in 1862.

David Cox lived from 1783 to 1859 and the stone bust of him, by Birmingham artist Peter Hollins, was completed in 1860.

The museum and art gallery is in Chamberlain Square, Birmingham and is free to visit. It is open daily until 5pm.