Fairfield Mill

On our second holiday to Sedbergh in Yorkshire, a lovely little village, we stayed just outside in a house called Oakdene. A former B&B the Victorian house originally belonged to a mill owner, presumably the owner of Fairfield Mill which was a 5 minute walk down the road.

Fairfield Mill is now an arts and heritage centre, which includes about 3 floors of some amazing craftwork and hosts loads of working artist studios including people practising traditional weaving techniques. I was of course in my element, there was some really beautiful stuff, it was a real find. Below are a small selection of some of my favourites. I've tried to give credit/link to artists websites where possible. I can't wait to inspire my A-Level students with some of this work.

This was in a display of work by some students at the University of Cumbria. This wool piece, by Elizabeth Birch, really caught my eye. I've experimented with heat forming synthetic fabrics before, but not tried it in wool and now can't wait to give it a try. It gives some really exciting texture, especially with the changing colours.

 One floor played host to lots of different styles of spinning wheels and looms, and artists were in residence working on these. It's something I'd love to have a go at but am pretty sure it involves a lot of patience and precision which isn't my strong point.

 There were quite a few wool and felted pieces due to the mill producing woollen products up until the 1990s. This piece by Abigail's Attic reminded me of clay beads, as well as some felted sushi a friend of mine made at college! A really unique way of using wool to make jewellery!

 This was one of my favourite pieces, I loved how delicate it was and the great way of combining fabric, papers and wire to create 3D structures. The artist had made a whole collection of items including teacups and spoons. This was by Priscilla Jones, whose website you can find here.

 Another favourite - so many things I loved!! I've experimented with silk painting before so I know how difficult and fiddly it is! This was just beautiful, I would love to have this one my wall. My photos don't do any justice to the colours, but the image of a spiderweb was really striking. Can't find a website for her but there is a little further information here.

It took me a long way to drag myself away from these pieces by Mary Taylor. The artist combines various fabrics, layering them up, embroidering into them and burning away to reveal different layers creating beautiful representations of Cumbrian landscapes. Due to the inclusion of synthetic fabrics and metallic threads these pieces catch the light beautifully.