Exhibition Visit: Rydal Hall

A couple of weeks ago we were invited to an arty event over in the Lakes, by friend and former housemate Clare, back from our Uni days up in Carlisle.  The exhibition was a showcase for works from the Lakes Collective, a group of fine artists/textile artists/makers working in the Lake District, the show being in around the grounds at Rydal Hall near Ambleside.

   Being fans of Clare's ceramic work anyway, we really wanted to go, so off to the Lakes for a couple of days of camping, looking at art, and generally relaxing.  First off, a quick word about the Lakes Collective; this is something we'd found very intriguing, as for some time we've been thinking that the best way of getting into the established art scene around by where we live would be in fact to found our own scene.  The Lakes Collective are a group who've set up together to cooperatively produce and show work to a high standard, and they seem to be doing a great job of it.

   The 'indoor' part of the show was held in this rather nice barn conversion, and had a great mix of high quality work (textiles, ceramics, woodworking, paintings, etc).  Favourites for us being the boxes and chess board made from reclaimed wood, and the ceramics on the main table.  We went to the opening night, and there was a great atmosphere there, as the artists and supporters, and visitors, all came together.  All these artists sell, and they seemed to be doing a healthy trade in work during the course of the few days we were there.

   Our favourite part of the exhibition though by far was the art trail around the grounds.  The artists had created a large number of site-specific works throughout the woods which surround the hall, and we had a great couple of days wandering round (without the official map) just randomly discovering this stuff.  Again, really nice mix of works, and it all blended so naturally with the surroundings.  Top marks to the venue for letting them do this, it really adds to the visit.

   So that was our brief visit; very idea provoking, both in terms of what a Collective of artists can achieve, and also what you can do with the support of an enthusiastic venue behind you.  And nice to see good quality, well-made arts and crafts on display.