Richmondshire is home to a wonderfully eclectic mix of local
craftspeople, many of whom have working studios open for
visits.
- Leyburn’s Teapottery calls itself ‘the home of the eccentric teapot’, selling unique hand cast and decorated teapots, in every imaginable shape, from caravans to pianos to beds.
- The Reeth Dales Centre just off Silver Street
in Reeth brings together a number of the region’s
craftspeople, from clockmaker, cabinet maker, furniture maker,
artists, model maker and sculptor.
- Visitors to Pendangles can watch glass maker Ewa Gorska working as they browse. She uses the inspiration of the local landscape and light of the Dales to create fused glass items such as jewellery, platters and bowls and larger architectural pieces.
- Clock Works creates individually styled clocks and barometers in classical designs from solid hardwoods.
- Peter Cummings contemporary handmade furniture for interiors and gardens.
- Hazel Smith Studio and Gallery is a small gallery showing the Yorkshire Dales landscapes created by Hazel and Vic Smith in pastels, watercolours, acrylics and oils. Phone 01748 884900.
- Philip Bastow Cabinet Makers designs and manufactures individual furniture commissions using mainly oak, ash, elm and sycamore. The showroom has samples of complete pieces as well as smaller gift items.
- Scenicview Gallery specialises in photography of the Dales landscape.
- Stef’s Models are sculptured animal figures and wall plaques inspired by Swaledale – from model dogs to farmyard animals and domestic pets. Visitors can view all stages of production at the workshop.
- Also in Reeth is Shades of Heather, run by Heather Ritchie who has spent 35 years perfecting her rag rug making skills and building up a world wide reputation. By appointment: 01748 884435.
- Well known Wensleydale artists Judith Bromley and Robert Nicholls open their studio in Askrigg most Wednesdays, where you can view traditional and contemporary paintings, prints, books and cards priced from £1.50 to £1000.
- The attractive village of West Burton holds two surprises – a stunning hidden waterfall, and the unique Cat Pottery: Moorside Cats. An absolute must-see for cat lovers, it’s a family business run by husband, wife and daughter – all skilful sculptors. They base their designs on their much loved family cats and have many of them on display at the pottery.
- At White Rose Candle Workshop, Wensley near Leyburn, visitors can watch candle making processes including traditional dipping techniques and casting methods.
- Handmade domestic tableware and gardenware is made at Wensleydale Pottery in Chapel Gallery, Hawes, and visitors can watch as they work. A selection of items from other Wensleydale artists and craftspeople is also available. Phone 01969 667594.
- Specialising in original felt artwork, artist Andrea Hunter uses ‘merino wool tops’ as fine artists would use paint. Visitors can often see her working on one of her unique pictures at Focus on Felt in Hardraw, Hawes. The Gallery also exhibits limited edition prints, cards and handmade felt gifts.
- Yorkshire Flowerpots produces a whole range of quality terracotta gardenware, using about half a ton of clay to make 500 decorative pots every day. Visitors are invited to come and see the various stages of production from the lump of crude clay on the potter's wheel to the intricately embossed and garlanded planter. Phone 01969 667464.
- The Wensleydale Longwool Sheepshop is set on a working farm in the hamlet of Garriston near Leyburn. The small shop stocks a large selection of fine knitting wools, ready made garments knitted locally and gifts. The wool used is beautifully soft, originating from the rare Wensleydale Sheep, which has long, soft silky curls giving the yarn a distinctive character.
- Swaledale Woollens in Muker, North Yorkshire uses local Swaledale and Wensleydale wool for the range of knitwear from sweaters and cardigans to scarves, hats and socks.
- Many local artists take part in the North Yorkshire Open Studios initiative, usually in May. Check www.art-connections.org.uk for details of dates and artists taking part.
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Last updated:
04 June 2008
