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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