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Pauline’s passions: farming, photography and the countryside
A PHOTOGRAPHIC exhibition documenting two decades of farming life on the Blackdown Hills opens at the Somerset Rural Life Museum on Saturday, January 8th. Pauline Rook, who is based in Somerset, was commissioned in 2002 by the Countryside Agency to create a photographic record of the area. Her brief was to capture the Blackdowns’ “spirit and essence”. The commission ignited a love of this unique corner of Somerset and Pauline has now been photographing the landscape for almost 20 years. Over this period she has explored hundreds of miles of country lanes and paths, getting to know the individuals, countryside and buildings that make the Blackdowns so distinctive. Pauline, who was a dairy farmer for 20 years, said: “My principal passion continues to be working in the rural environment. I built up a photographic archive for the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty when it was newly designated. “This relatively under-populated and inaccessible landscape of small farms and many lanes continues to fascinate and delight me. I love to include farm animals in my pictures – my years of farming and having my own flock of sheep have come in handy.” The exhibition will bring together more than 50 photographs and includes a selection of Pauline’s most recent work, captured
WHAT’S ON
Libby Lister milking her golden Guernsey goat at Dennetts Farm, Wambrook
using the infrared techniques she began to learn during lockdown. On Saturday, January 8th and Saturday, February 12th Pauline will be at the museum for a Meet the Artist event. Also on the 12th, Pauline will be giving an illustrated talk as part of the museum’s Talk and Tea series. Sam Astill, Head of Museums for the South West Heritage Trust, said: “The photographs tell a tale of rural survival as well giving an insight into the working practices of an accomplished Somerset photographer. We’re delighted to be exhibiting Pauline’s work in the museum whose many exhibits further explore the history of farming in the county.” The exhibition runs until March 19th. For more information and to book your visit go to www.srlm.org.uk
Hello – Suffolk cross sheep near Dalwood
Charity concert
NAILSEA Lions are planning a Sea Shanty and Folk Concert on Saturday, February 26th, featuring two excellent, local groups who are well known throughout the South West. High and Dry, based in and around the Mendips, have been singing sea shanties for a number of years and recently performed at the St Ives Shanty Shout and organised the Bristol Shanty Festival. BadgerSet are a band of folk singers, musicians and dancers. The concert will be in the auditorium at Nailsea School, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost just £7.50. The main beneficiaries will be the RLNI and Children’s Hospice South West. Details: Phil Taylor 01275 462195
MENDIP TIMES • JANUARY 2022 • PAGE 87
