Witherslack art exhibition returns with a 'touch of magic'

Twelve of the region’s top artists and makers, as well as three special guests, will be exhibiting and selling their work in the Witherslack Artists and Makers Group exhibition this year.

The 2024 exhibition opens in the Barwick Hall on Saturday, September 21 and will run for just over two weeks until Sunday, October 6, greeting visitors from 10am to 5pm everyday.

Jane Bradley, one of the organising team and an award-winning Witherslack-based basket maker, said: “Over the years, we seem to have found the right balance of combining new work from our core membership with guest artists and makers who bring something a bit different each year.

“We’ve built up a good reputation for high quality art and craft and seem to attract visitors from across south Lakeland and beyond.”

A piece by Hans Ullrich (Image: Stoneleigh Communications)

Pip Hall, a renowned stone letter carver from Dentdale and another established member, lauded the 'magical setting' of the hall.  

She added: "Visitors love the opportunity to talk to the artists, designers and makers - a couple of us are on duty throughout the exhibition so they can chat to us and ask about the work.

"I think that personal contact is part of what makes it a bit special and it’s great for all of us too.”

There is one new group member this year - porcelain ceramicist, Rebecca Callis, who has a studio in central Kendal at The Factory.

One of the items created by Rebecca Callis (Image: Stoneleigh Communications)

The exhibition will also showcase the creative skills of three guests: weaver, Laura Rosenzweig of Laura’s Loom at Kirkby Lonsdale; Edward Carefoot, a Halecat-based furniture maker; and Lancaster-based artist and printmaker, Jenny McCabe.

“Many local people will know Laura’s blankets, wraps and other work as she was based at Farfield Mill near Sedbergh until her move to Kirkby Lonsdale,” Jane commented.

“As Laura uses wool from local Barwick flocks, so Edward is known for creating contemporary furniture using traditional techniques and from timber felled on the Halecat Estate."

Further information about the Witherslack Artists and Makers Group exhibition and all the participating artists is on the website at www.witherslackartistsandmakers.com.