7 minute read
Creativity and Community at Farfield Mill
From the welcoming smile from the Gallery Assistants to the enthusiasm from the resident artists, Farfield Mill is buzzing with a spirit of community and creativity.
Restored and re-purposed over 20 years ago Farfield Mill houses galleries, artists’ studios and is filled with gorgeous hand-crafted unique art and craft. The purpose of the conversion was to preserve the Mill not just for the industrial heritage but to enhance the local community and create a creative hub where artist and makers can share their work, ideas and pass on their skills through demonstrations.
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A few years ago, Keith investigated his family tree. To his surprise most of his ancestors were weavers. This set him off on a voyage of discovery and led him to setting up ‘Gneiss Rugs.’ Keith’s rugs are woven on a handmade peg loom. This is one of the oldest forms of weaving. Everything is done by hand, the only electricity used is for the lights and the cups of tea! Keith’s rugs are made from selvedge (off cuts from commercial weaving) This means Keith’s rugs are made from the best quality woollen fabric and strong jute thread for the warp holding the tweed in place. The style of the weaving is based on the stripey gneiss rock formations which can be found on the Scottish islands, different sized bands of colours imitating nature’s natural beauty meaning no two rugs have ever been the same.
Keith Barber weaving on his peg loom “I love making the rugs. I find it incredibly relaxing, almost meditative. I also love the way I am up-cycling a bi-product that would otherwise go to landfill… rescue a rug!” - Keith Barber
Keith also welcomes individuals or pairs to come and make a rug with him in his studio.
Keith Barber of Gniess Rugs teaching rug making in his studio at Farfield Mill
Gniess Rugs Woven by resident maker Keith Barber at Farfield Mill
ISOBELLE STOTHERT - HANDWEAVER AND ARTIST
Isobelle is a handweaver with a unique aesthetic, who comes to the craft from a background in floristry. By working in an environmentally conscious way and allowing the colours and textures of the natural world to move through her, Isobelle creates woven cloth that is both a piece of art and a functional textile, simultaneously. Weaving in an intuitive manner and allowing the colours and textures of her yarns to guide the structure of the cloth, means that every ‘Wildflower Weaver’ creation is completely unique from the last. Moss, lichens, wildflowers, trees rusts and the landscape are all reflected in the cloth.
Woven by Isobelle Stothert Wildflower Weaver at Farfield Mill
Amerissis by Isobelle Stothert
Acknowledging that craft and art serve a purpose for maintaining a positive and balanced mental heath, Isobelle has started to consciously allow her inner process and experience of life’s journey to influence her expression. Sometimes expressing deep joy and other times deep pain, she allows the weaving and its process to become a physical manifestation of things that sometimes cannot be explained through words.
“On a good day, when I’m grounded in the weaving, I can lose myself in the rhythm. My head busy with the pattern and colours, my body joined with my loom in a continuous rhythmic dance. My mind and body suspended somewhere between relaxation and tension... time becomes timeless and authentic creativity is born.” - Isobelle Stothert
SUSANNAH HARPHAM – FLO AND FRIENDS STUDIO
Susannah Harpham is an artist, and photographer based in Sedbergh. Her passions are landscape, animals, and nature. Originally studying Art and Design with Photography, Susannah is a professional photographer with over twenty years experience.
Susannah Haprham - Flo & Friends Studio with her work ‘Woodland Stag’
Fox by Susannah Harpham -Flo and Friends Studio at Farfield Mill
Through her new venture of ‘Flo and Friends Studio,’ Susannah is embracing her love of animals with a new passion for watercolour painting. Her work is inspired by her animals at home, many of which can been seen in her work. Susannah is a keen runner and can often be found on the Howgill fells. This gives her opportunity to interpret this beautiful landscape and the wildlife she encounters through her artwork.
“Having a studio at Farfield has given me the opportunity to create new pieces of work, away from the distractions of home. It is a calm space which helps focus the mind. Also being surrounded by beautiful work, other creative people and amazing views provides an inspirational backdrop” - Susannah Harpham
KATY BOUCHER – UPHOLSTERER
Katy is Farfield Mill’s resident upholsterer. Her studio is filled with interesting tools and materials as well as pieces of old furniture awaiting restoration. These period pieces of furniture sit alongside her contemporary pet beds inspired by her Norwegian Forest Cat; Frankie whom she names her business after.
Katy studied upholstery before taking a Degree in Furniture Restoration. She then taught traditional upholstery while completing her Masters’ Degree in Furniture Conservation and Restoration.
Katy is currently busy with commissions including a wonderful tapestry covered Solid Rosewood ‘Prie Dieu’ Chair thought to date between 1840-1850.
“This is a special chair indeed with its deep detailed carving which has not suffered much damage at all, unusual given its age.”
Kay Boucher upholsterer with one of her restoration commissions
The chair is in original condition, so Katy has chosen to conserve as much of the original upholstery as possible. Whilst the tapestry unfortunately can not be used again it will be carefully wrapped and hidden in the void in the outside back of the chair along with a note explaining when the chair was restored and by whom.
The seat and back will be carefully removed before the frame is cleaned and waxed. The application of the seat and back are achieved by recovering in new linen scrum and restitching to achieve the crisp look originally intended.
“It’s a real pleasure to have the opportunity to work on such an amazing piece and I am looking forward to restoring the chair back to its original shape.” - Katy Boucher
FARFIELD MILL WEAVING FRIENDS
Farfield Mill Weaving Friends are a group of volunteers who demonstrate traditional crafts such as spinning and weaving. You can find them on Level 4 working on their handlooms creating beautiful scarves, mug mats and cushion covers. They are happy to chat to visitors and enjoy sharing their skills and knowledge.
Susan has told us that the most commonly asked question is “How long has it taken to make that?” Which is actually the hardest question to answer!
You can usually see Weaving Friends demonstrating in the Mill on Thursday and Fridays. It is only with the dedication of staff and volunteers that the Mill keeps running.
Volunteer Eve said “We can really see the difference we have made. Everyone has been so welcoming and it is great to see the visitors appreciating how much the Mill has changed.”
The friendly Gallery Assistants will welcome you and guide you through your visit. A trip is not complete without a treat in the Tea Room where the scent of freshly ground coffee from Farrer’s of Kendal and freshly baked scones fills the air.
Alex is responsible for many of these fabulous cakes. She usually starts her day baking fresh fruit and cheese scones, making a large cake, and preparing the soup of the day.
Alex said “The best thing about working at Farfield Mill is the team I work with. We can have fun even when we are rushed off our feet”
The rest of the Mill staff certainly enjoy testing Alex’s Cakes!
Alex in the Tea Room
