Another Grand Day Out in Clitheroe - Creativity within the Beauty at the Platform

Had a wonderful spring day out in Clitheroe on Friday, 27th - there is a very good exhibition on at the Platform Gallery near the railway station.  The exhibition is Creativity within the Beauty, celebrating 50 years of Bowland Forest being An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

By Caroline Heap

There are an array of very interesting works on show from calligraphy to ceramics via textiles and painting. One artist who really caught my eye was Caroline Heap, she works in pen and ink producing amazing textures and contrasts in a series of landscape works celebrating the Forest of Bowland.  Her work is so delicate and yet has an intensity that draws your eye all over the image.  Well worth a look if you visit.

By Joan Newall

One artist however, really held my interest.  Her name is Joan Newall and she defines herself as a textile artist, making the most wonderful books.  Some are blank and others have tiny little collages in them, really very lovely.  She sells them far too cheaply for the work in them is very delicate and the finish is excellent.  None of us could resist them and we all bought one.  Such a little treasure.

There is so much to recommend this exhibition and if you are in the area have a peep. It is on until 11th April 2015 and there is a companion exhibition at the Artroom Gallery in Garstang until 12th May.  If you are in Clitheroe I still recommend Cheesy Tchaikovsky for a sumptuous lunch and afternoon tea.  The lady's homemade bread and cakes are to die for and a must if we are in Clitheroe.

We met up with my dear friend Isobel for the afternoon and had a really good shop in and around the centre of Clitheroe.  On the way back to the Platform Gallery Isobel wished to visit D Byrne and Company on King Street.  Not being a big drinker I rarely visit a wine merchant but this shop ia amazing, a real Aladdin's Cave. The shop has been trading for 130 years and has more wines and spirits than I have ever seen anywhere in one place.  If you visit the Platform Gallery or just visit Clitheroe take a peek in D Byren&Co, honestly it was a shock to find this place, so interesting, like something out of a Dickens novel.

I am hoping to dye some threads this week and some pieces of silk for use later in the year.  I like to use natural dyes and sometimes create quite a whiff but the colours are too nice not to do it.  I have more samplers planned and an order for more cards, a birthday doll is my next concern - I am looking forward to them all and will be working hard over Easter.  Becca's degree show is rapidly approaching and she is working so hard, so proud of her.  All good and busy, just as we like it.

Well, the clocks went forward here this weekend and we all lost an hours sleep but spring has arrived and summer cannot be to far away and I am enjoying the good weather.  Hope all is well with you all and my warmest wishes.