Farming in the Frame – 1 to 20 May 2026

An exhibition of documentary photographs and soundscapes opens at Bowlees Visitor Centre in May.

‘Farming in the Frame’ by Elaine Vizor depicts the lives of female farmers in the North Pennines and celebrates their tenacity and commitment. Both recent and retrospective images of farming women from Weardale and Teesdale are featured in the exhibition,
reflecting a decade of the photographer’s work portraying women in different roles and landscapes.

An accompanying soundscape, produced by writer and broadcaster Marie Gardiner, will be playing in the gallery alongside the photographs, with farming artefacts and samples of wool also on display.

Farming in the Frame includes selections from a former exhibition, ‘Four Seasons of a Hill Farmer,’ which followed the life of a young farmer in Teesdale called Elizabeth, and ‘Farmer Sue’ documenting the daily life a former Weardale farmer.

Elaine said: “It has been an immense privilege to photograph Elizabeth as she goes about her daily round on the land farmed by her father, mother and brother. Elizabeth studied farming at college and has a special interest in sheep and especially lambing time.

“There is something about farming, farmers, the seasonal changes, the relentlessness of the working life, and especially women farmers that sparks admiration and creative interest in me. I want to observe them, admire them, photograph them in a way that I
hope reflects their sheer grit, dedication, determination, devotion, tenacity, love for what they do, and in a way that reflects their personalities. I hope the photographs in this series do justice to Elizabeth (and her family) and demonstrate what an amazing
young person and young farmer she is. What a privilege it has been to gain a snapshot of the life of a hill farmer.”

The images of ‘Farmer Sue’ give an environmental portrait of Sue, telling a story spanning nearly three years recording throughout the seasons, in sunshine and snow.

Elaine said: “The images I have chosen demonstrate something of the rhythm of life; the relentless predictability of the daily routine; the recurring seasons; the robustness and resilience of the farmer; the reciprocity of relationships; and the harsh austerity of an
environment that is at the same time beautiful and restful.”

Jane Hayes, Visitor Services Assistant at the North Pennines National Landscape, said: “The North Pennines is steeped in farming history. Elaine’s exhibition reflects family traditions, hardworking female farmers, and the close bond between them, the land and
the animals. It is a glimpse into the life of hard working and dedicated upland farmers in this area.”

The exhibition is on show from 10am to 5pm at Bowlees Visitor Centre, from 1 to 20 May. Please note that although the main visitor centre area is accessible, the gallery space is accessed via stairs. Original artwork, fridge magnets and keyrings will be on sale
as part of the exhibition.