" Lowther Photo Exhibition and Walk " at EveryTrail

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We had an invite to the opening of an exhibition of photographs, taken by a friend, which were to be displayed in the hall at Lowther Castle.

He and another artist were exhibiting for the first time at the castle, the subject being Lowther Park and its gardens.

We joined them on the Sunday afternoon for the official opening.

First find the Castle . . . despite having seen it in the distance many times we had never actually been there.

It wasn't that difficult . . . drive to Penrith and take the A6 south for three or four miles.

Don't take the grand entrance to Lowther Holiday Park but follow the signs indicating right a bit further south !

The Castle has seen better days but renovations are in hand . . . this is the new cafe and visitor centre.

Unfortunately the main building was made derelict after the war and the remaining contents sold off in a grand "stately home" sale at that time.

The Castle and Gardens are now run by a trust and have received lottery and other monies to secure and renovate the buildings

and return a little life to the castle and its fine gardens once again.

It was those gardens that have inspired Andrew and Christine to explore and record what they have seen.

Today is the culmination of their ideas, drawn together into an exhibition which is currently open to the public.

I can do no better than to quote from Andrew's site . . .

" Andrew Leaney, who lives near Appleby-in-Westmorland, is a keen photographer who enjoys capturing the landscape while walking

in the Lakeland Fells and further afield. He finds the largely untamed gardens at Lowther Castle a peaceful

and relaxing place to explore and they provide a wealth of opportunities to create images, which catch his eye or reflect his mood."

The second set of photos today were by another enthusiast of Lowther Gardens . . .

" Christine Hurford, an artist living in Penrith, shows her sculptures and installations nationally; often using the subject of insects

and small creatures to convey deeper feelings. Photography has been an enduring love, exhibiting work with the Penrith Camera Club.

Christine says, “Since discovering the Lowther Gardens, I have loved wandering round, finding hidden corners and surprisingly abstract details,

trying to capture the dereliction, but also the changing seasons.”

The exhibition has been staged in the renovated hallway of the Castle.

[ The photos (or copies of them) are all available to purchase by the way.]

For those who may have been wondering . . . a rare picture of the web-master David Hall who was also at the opening.

He's the one with his hands in his pocket.    I can't say anything . . . I had mine in my pockets in the previous photo !

Behind, wearing an open jacket, is Andrew himself, also with hands in pocket . . . must be a 'bloke's' thing!

The simple decorations of the hallway/ sculpture gallery allowed the colourful photos to stand out in all their beauty.   The exhibition runs from Monday 21st October to Sunday 3rd November 2013 Do go along and see them for yourself.   Click here for Andrew's link if you wish - - - o o o - - -   We were inside where it was warm and dry. Outside in the cold we could see the old castle buildings undergoing renovation.   - - - o o o - - -

The recent grant will allow the Lowther Trust to stabilise the structure so that it doesn't decay any further

It will be a long time and a lot more money will be needed to renovate it further.

This is the view of the Castle from the front ramparts on the northern side.

The gardens are open on a daily basis and the parkland is often home to shows and events.

For more information, including opening time and facilities on offer . . . please click here, on the photo above, or phone 01-931-712192.

- - - o o o - - -

After a period of light re-hyration (a nice cup of tea and cakes)

Ann and I venture out into Lowther Park to give the dogs a walk.

We parked in the grounds of the castle near St Michael's Church, Lowther

Arty picture of the gate . . . these exhibitions are getting to me !

In the churchyard is the Mausoleum of William the second Earl, who died in 1844.

Inside there is a statue of him sitting in gloomy isolation according to the Visit Cumbria web site

We head off down the avenue of trees leaving the impressive facade of the castle behind us.

It must have been an impressive structure in its heyday.

Others are taking pictures too.	Time passes . . . the Castle recedes into the distance.
Autumn leaves are falling . . . oak and sycamore litter the floor . . .	. . . but the Maple stood out like a beacon of colour across the park.

Lovely colours are starting to develop on the trees . . .	. . . as seen here across the bridge onto the island.

" Grand weather for ducks " as the saying goes . . . Mr and Mrs Mallard I believe.

A sudden flap of wings and this fine Heron takes off and flies up river and out of camera shot.

At least these will stay still while I take their photo.	The fungi cover an old tree trunk down by the river.

Back to the Church . . . where we left the car. Just a small walk round the grounds but a very pleasant one. - - - o o o - - - We left Lowther by the bottom road that crosses directly into the village of Askham. It is just after four thirty . . . unfortunately a bit too soon for an evening meal at The Punchbowl

 

Hi Roger and Ann - the poles - they are an obstacle for a carriage driving competition. You should go to the game fair next year, it is awesome to watch a team of four negotiating those obstacles at speed. Jeff and Rachel - - - o o o - - - Hi Roger,    The assortment of poles on your photos from Lowther Castle looks like a Cross Country fence for eventing horses. It can be jumped in various ways depending on the difficulty you wish to create. By the way, when we were younger (quite a long time ago) the grounds were home to a wild life park and there were a lot of deer grazing. It was a very pleasant day out, picnic tables etc. I am the one with blonde hair, the boy is my brother, he's been at your house before to collect calendars. I am now 50 so it was a while ago! Photo is from old slides converted to photos. Keep up the good work!    Kind regards,  Judith. - - - o o o - - - Thanks both ... RmH