17 July to 19 September

Alan Ingham (1932 - 2002)

The first opportunity in over 10 years to view a collection of original artworks by this acclaimed watercolour artist. The exhibition features around 30 works – both originals and prints – from Alan’s 'Fells and Dales Collection', which includes numerous well-known scenes and landscapes from the Cumbrian fells and Yorkshire dales.

Alan Ingham was one of Britain's most acclaimed artists of his time and is best remembered for his detailed watercolours depicting Britain's rich rural heritage and varied country life across changing landscapes and seasons. He drew much of his inspiration from the Lake District, and from his native Yorkshire Dales, as well as the Cotswolds where he eventually settled with his wife Rose after a long and distinguished career as an officer in the Royal Navy. Since his death in 2002, Alan's widow Rose and family have been asked on numerous occasions to show his work in some way. In appreciation of the many people who followed and still value his rare talent, the family have decided to embark on a series of exhibitions and an updated website.

"This is a way of keeping Alan’s work available to everyone to enjoy in a way we hope Alan would have liked. Alan's widow, Rose, and the rest of the family are proud that Sedbergh, in the heart of the Dales and Fells region – and an area Alan knew and loved – was chosen as the venue for the re-launch of his work.” Nick Mole (a member of the family)

Alan Ingham was a prolific artist and produced over 1,400 outstanding works as well as a number of books. In 2005, he was voted the 3rd most popular artist behind only Sir Russell Flint. His work has been exhibited in many prestigious venues and galleries nationwide including Harrods in London’s Knightsbridge. The title of the exhibition, 'Watercolour Skies', is a name derived from his extremely popular book, 'Under A Watercolour Sky', published in 1995, and which so aptly describes his work.

Prints and originals will be available for sale at the exhibition and via the website www.alaningham.co.uk or by contacting watercolourskies@btinternet.com.

25 September to 14 November

Alice Kettle

Alice Kettle's recent embroidery combines sensitivity with scale. Her keenly anticipated new exhibition reflects an abiding interest in the way that narrative can be expressed through the medium of machine-worked embroidery, both in large wall hangings and in a series of private and symbolic three-dimensional works, using a restrained monochrome palette as well as more vibrant colours. It is in this work that the theme of allegory is explicitly presented. Alice's recent interest in working in partnership with other artists is also revealed in the exhibition, with the presentation of a collaborative piece with the potter Stephen Dixon, her colleague at Manchester Metropolitan University.

This is a Crafts Study Centre touring exhibition.

Book now for Alice's Illustrated Talk on Allegory, on both Friday 24 September (6.30-7.30) and Saturday 25 September (11-12) - tickets include entry to the Centre / exhibition. And make an evening of it on Friday 24 with supper in Weavers Café.