STUNNING felt images depicting the four seasons in the North Pennines have gone on display at The Witham, in Barnard Castle, as part of a three-week exhibition.
Wool and Weather – Four seasons in the North Pennines, has been put together by award-winning felt artist Claire Priestley.
The vibrant felted landscapes capture the drama and beauty of northern England’s wild places, created using natural fibres and traditional wet felting techniques.
The exhibition includes framed and mounted pieces alongside lampshades and delightful needle-felted animals, plus a tactile display where visitors can feel the fibres that bring her work to life.
Claire, who is based near Staindrop, grew up in the Yorkshire dales surrounded by wool, spinning wheels and the artistic influence of her mother and after a career teaching in local schools discovered felting six years ago.
Since then, she has turned her hobby into a thriving business, Teesdale Felt, offering others the opportunity to learn how to wet felt. Inspired by traditional techniques from Mongolia and Kurdistan, Claire juggles commissions, teaching and exhibitions across the region.
As well as her work featuring in Felt magazine, Claire, who was a finalist in the Lancashire Artist of the Year Awards this year, is also preparing for a solo exhibition in Newcastle as well as hosting a creative retreat.
l Wool and Weather – four seasons in the North Pennines is at The Witham gallery Tuesday to Saturday until April 26.
