Lakeland Arts is taking ‘Candle at a Window’ by Winifred Nicholson out of its familiar surroundings in Abbot Hall and into community spaces across Cumbria. This inspirational painting will be displayed in schools, community centres and other venues for one day each, providing inspiration for a broad range of activities.
The first stop on the tour was the Coniston Institute on 30 May. Candle at a Window had been meticulously packed the night before and the Art on Tour team arrived at Abbot Hall early to collect the work for the 20 mile drive. We received a warm welcome at Coniston Institute where our project technician proceeded to unwrap and hang the work, much to the delight of an avid audience.
We were joined by a local watercolour artist and a poet from Wordsworth Trust who helped to inspire creative responses to the painting throughout the day. Cyclists, walkers, and passersby of all ages called in and had a go at painting, experimenting with the varied qualities and challenges of watercolours, expertly led by Matt. Visitors were treated to poetry readings and a poetry writing workshop, and participated in open discussion of their responses to Nicholson’s beautiful windowscape.
As well as a talented painter, Nicholson was a keen creator and collector of rag rugs. Remembering her role in championing this traditional Cumbrian craft, we are inviting people to contribute to a new rug throughout the tour, adding to the fabric on each stage of the journey. We will require a lot of help and participation to finish the large textile this summer!
The friendly, relaxed and imaginative atmosphere created by the painting, location and the fascinating people we encountered in Coniston was an inspirational experience. Call in and visit Candle at a Window at one of our drop in sessions on future tour stops:
- Allithwaite Primary School, Thursday 19 June, 3.15 – 4pm
- Holme Primary School, Friday 20 June, 1 – 4pm
- The Hut, Brampton, Monday 23 June, 5 – 6pm
- Dock Museum, Barrow, Wednesday 25 June, 1 – 3.45pm
Look out for further blogs as we capture the rest of the tour throughout the month.
