Exhibition: Capturing moments in Upper Teesdale

Two artists working in very different media have collaborated on a unique exhibition celebrating the landscape and wildlife of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB).

‘Capturing Moments in the Upper Dale’ by fibre artist, Chrissie Day, and photographer, Martin Rogers, will be on show at the North Pennines AONB Partnership’s Bowlees Visitor Centre throughout June and July.

Chrissie’s rich, experimental textiles use wool, plant fibres and natural dyes to enhance the textures of her innovative knitwear and hand-made felt designs. Her work has been displayed across the world, but her creativity is inspired by the area around her studio and home in Harwood-in-Teesdale. At Bowlees visitors will be able to see sculptures, standing pieces and huge wall hangings, as well as framed prints, knitwear and design kits.

Chrissie Day said: “My work connects to this area by encapsulating the ever-changing colours that surround me, whether in winter as the world becomes black and white or in the arrival of the colourful hay meadows whose colours alter every day. I use my own yarn from the upper dale to knit, weave and felt my work; leaves, flowers, and bark for my eco-prints; and natural dyes for my silk and wool.

“These richly textured pieces are formed through a contemporary adaptation of ancient methods of creating felt, using energy and water in a process of rubbing and rolling wool fibres.”

Martin Rogers, author of Essential Teesdale, lives in Middleton-in-Teesdale and his photography is rooted in his local patch of the North Pennines AONB, capturing landscapes and wildlife throughout the year. The images chosen for the exhibition reflect the colours, textures and views used in Chrissie’s work. Martin said: “We are lucky enough to live in one of the most beautiful parts of Britain, where the flowers and bird life in particular are especially rich and varied. The landscape is often stunning, both shaped and managed by man – but retaining its underlying natural qualities.

“I love spending time out and about with my camera (and almost always a tripod), and hope that my work encourages people to look more closely, and a little differently, at what is around us.”

Chris Woodley-Stewart, Director of the North Pennines AONB Partnership, said: “We are always pleased to have opportunities to showcase local artists, such as Chrissie and Martin, who are inspired by what they see around them in the North Pennines. Hopefully our visitors will enjoy seeing the way both have interpreted familiar views and the changing colours and textures of nature through this exhibition.”

‘Capturing Moments in the Upper Dale’ is open daily during June and July, from 10am to 5pm, in the gallery space at Bowlees Visitor Centre. For more information visit the North Pennines AONB Partnership’s website: https://northpennines.org.uk/bowlees-visitor-centre/

For more information on Chrissie Day’s artwork, commissions and kits visit https://chrissiedaydesigns.co.uk or https://feltingfibres.com. Martin Rogers’ images can be found at https://www.martinrogersphotography.co.uk/

ENDS

Notes for editors

1. Local photographer, Janet Fleming, took a picture of ice pancakes on the River Tees which inspired a set of Chrissie Day’s pieces for this exhibition.

2. Contact Sarah Hudspeth at North Pennines AONB Partnership for further information – shudspeth@northpenninesaonb.org.uk, Phone: 07768 123 247 / 01388 528801

3. Images from Martin and Chrissie’s exhibition are attached. For alternative images please contact Sarah on 07768 123 247 / 01388 528801 or email shudspeth@northpenninesaonb.org.uk he North Pennines is one of England’s most special places – a peaceful, unspoilt landscape with a rich history and vibrant natural beauty. It was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1988. The purpose of this nationally recognised designation is the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the area.

4. At almost 2,000 sq. kilometres the North Pennines is the second largest of the 46 AONBs (in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and is one of the most peaceful and unspoilt places in England. Visit www.landscapesforlife.org.uk for information about the AONB Family.

The North Pennines lies between the National Parks of the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and Northumberland with the urban centres of County Durham away to the east. Parts of the AONB are within the boundaries of five local authorities; the three counties of Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland, Carlisle City Council and Eden District Council.

5. The North Pennines AONB Partnership is an alliance of 24 public, statutory and voluntary sector bodies with an interest in the future of the AONB. The work of the Partnership is carried out by its Staff Unit which takes action to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area, to raise awareness of its special qualities and to improve the quality of life for local people.

6. UNESCO Global Geopark – As well as being an AONB the North Pennines is a UNESCO Global Geopark. This puts the area’s Geopark status in the same UNESCO family as World Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves. UNESCO Global Geoparks are places with outstanding geology where special effort is made to make the most of geological heritage to support community and economy. Locally this includes producing geo-trails, developing projects with school and community groups, producing displays for visitor attractions and holding geology festivals and events.