Never was there a more appropriate time or place to celebrate The Herdwick than at Lowes Court Gallery at its preview on 2nd March. Just to step on the thick, springy carpets gave us our first impressions of the durability of this ancient breed which has developed surviving on the storm swept fells of Cumbria into its own fine art.
Though the coarse, wiry character of its wool is not for all markets, imaginative craftsmen, such a Jane Rawling, of Clews, have recognised the value of its water resistant and durable qualities, displaying superb weatherwear with dynamic, sculpturally influenced design. Christine Croft was there to display thick rugs with beautiful traditional designs, and explain her techniques for weaving and finishing, with looms especially developed for Herdwick wool.

Eskdale School has mounted a fascinating exhibition of work inspired both by its native breed and by dedicated artists and craftsmen, Steve Wilson, who taught the children how to create Herdwick sheep created out of felt produced with Herdwick wool, and Hans Ulrich, who taught them ceramic arts, creating images of sheep based on Gillian Temple's photographs, another striking feature of the exhibition.

The Herdwick also inspired Emmelien Jagger to produce some touching and amusing paintings, notably one entitled "Curiosity", which captured just that expression in sheep's faces, and some beautiful little sculptured figures of sheep in ceramics and clay.

The exhibition remains open until 8th April.

Our photos show (inset)  Christine and Peter Croft in front of their beautiful Herdwick rugs and below Emmelien Jagger's "Curiosity" and felt work by Eskdale children. 

Emmelien's "Curiosity"	Eskdale Felt work
Deputy Mayor, Keith Hitchen, recalls the previous existence of the Lowes Court buildings	Figures of sheep by Emmelien