Stravaiging

A visit to Farfield Mill

A few days before Christmas I was able to visit Farfield Mill to see their current textile exhibitions before they closed for the festive season.

I’ve been a few times but not for a number of years and I was delighted to find it brighter and fresher and full of inspiration (and now free to enter...)

Located at Sedbergh, England’s Book Town, on the western edge of the Yorkshire Dales, the Mill was completed in 1837. Wool spun there was used on their six looms but also went out to local cottage industries of both knitters and weavers.

I started to write about its history and the current studio and gallery spaces but you can read more on their website - this post is supposed to be about stitchery! 

I had wanted to see ‘Telling a Yarn - Remember, React, Re-tell’ by Threadmill Textile Artists which was a collection of pieces inspired by the Mill itself. There were so much to see and study and the work of three women in particular intrigued me.

I’ve included their own descriptions so that you can better understand the meaning behind their work. 

Jenny Rydell used only woollen materials and fabric woven from local Herdwick fleece.

Liz Smith explored a 1920s pattern book and used woollen threads and fabrics to tell her tales.

Michelle Ault focused on the use of madder as a dye in the area, and on the stories well-used old textiles tell.

An excellent joint exhibition!

And then I found another space with work in huge contrast to the mill-inspired pieces. This was a solo exhibition full of dazzling colour by Galla Grotto. A textile artist, among many other skills, and intrigued by myths and legends.  Glorious bold work, immaculately constructed.

The mill has so much more to view (and buy) - artists’ studios, a gallery of 3d work by individual artists, a weavers’ attic, and so close to a town full of second hand book shops. Lots to enjoy. Visit if you can.