Wool and Weather – FourSeasons in the North Pennines exhibition by Claire Priestley

February 2025

The first exhibition of 2025 launched as Bowlees Visitor Centre reopened on 22 February. Using natural materials including local wool, ‘Wool and Weather – Four Seasons in the North Pennines’, by Claire Priestley showcases a range of original felted landscapes.

Claire uses wet felting techniques to create images of landscapes, seascapes, animals and 3D vessels, lampshades and resist work. Needle felting is used to enhance these items and create ornaments and animal sculptures. This exhibition features both framed and mounted works as well as 3D artwork such as needle felted sheep, felted bowls, lamps, and sculptural pieces.

Claire said:” I am a local felt artist, living, and working in Teesdale. My artwork has evolved over time as I experiment with different techniques and fibres. Each piece is very tactile and textured, and I work with a variety of materials including merino wool, silks, ribbon, hand spun yarn, Angelina fibre, curly locks and natural fabrics. “

As Claire’s reputation has developed as a prominent British felt artist, she has been featured in several publications including the Australian ‘Felt’ magazine. As well as creating and exhibiting original artwork, Claire also teaches in the locality and further afield.

Claire said: “Felting is particularly therapeutic, and I regularly offer community-based workshops where students benefit from working creatively with wool and fibres. Recent commissions have included projects working with the Durham Wildlife Trust, Northern Heartlands, North Pennines National Landscape, Teesdale Special Flora Trust and Highlights Rural Touring.”

She Claire is an active member of the International Feltmakers Association and in 2019 founded her small business ‘Teesdale Felt’. Since its conception, this business has evolved and thrived, changing as various openings and challenges materialise.

Claire retails a wide variety of kits and materials and has developed several online YouTube tutorials. This business has been shortlisted for two local business awards in the Social Responsibility and Customer Focus categories.

Simon Wilson, Programme Manager at the North Pennines National Landscape team, said: “We are delighted that Claire is exhibiting at Bowlees Visitor Centre. It is great to see artists drawing inspiration from the outstanding landscapes of the North Pennines in this way.”

Claire combines her felting with a love of the countryside and regularly goes walking in Teesdale and the Lake District. Claire said: “I hope that people who visit the exhibition will be inspired to make a deeper connection with their surroundings and with the natural world”.

The exhibition, ‘Wool and Weather – Four Seasons in the North Pennines’, is on show at Bowlees Visitor Centre, in the gallery accessed via stairs, from 23 February until 30 March. For opening days and times please visit – https://northpennines.org.uk/bowlees-visitor-centre/