Yesterday was the 113th Grand Annual Show, held on the most perfect September day. The show retains its roots and traditions, and the competitions, whether baking the tastiest chocolate cake or scone, drawing or painting the perfect landscape, herding truculent sheep, or attempting to run the fell race, are all of a high standard and accompanied by good humour. Perhaps best of all, the show is a place where old friends meet and catch up, whether at the show or after in the Fa

James Wheeler’s paintings have been part of the Old School since the days before we took over the gallery back in April 2017 and we’re pleased that the association continues and grows stronger over the months and years. Moor Entrance, James Wheeler | The Old School Muker Of all our artists it is Jame’s work that I’m reminded as I make my way off Shunner Fell at dusk or walk along Occupation Lane on one of those atmospheric days Upper-Swaledale throws at you from time to time;

Barn With Tin Roof, by local artist Sue Dewhurst, brightened up our dark winter days. Now, just has Spring has sprung in Muker, the painting has moved on to provide warmth and colour in its new owners cottage. We’ll miss it! #Art #Swaledale

Sandra Parker’s wonderful Just Visiting (above) just left the Old School. We’re currently showcasing a selection of Sandra’s work at the Old School including three superb originals, one of which is the superb Swaledale study, Yan, below … Yan | Sandra Parker … and we plan to get our hands on some more of Sandra’s work very soon. Watch this space! #Art #Swaledale

John fought through a bad back and yesterday’s “seasonal” weather to deliver four, new, superb line and watercolour paintings of Muker, Gunnerside & Hemsley. We’re really chuffed he made the effort. I guess you have to suffer for your art! Title: Muker Artist: John Harrison Medium: Original line and watercolour Dimensions:  ~H45cm x W35cm Framed Price: £265 Title: Gunnerside Artist: John Harrison Medium: Original line and watercolour Dimensions: ~ H64cm x W36cm Framed Price:

I’ve only had literally 20 minutes shooting with the Sigma SD Quattro H (paired with a Sigma 18-35mm DC) but couldn’t resist pushing out these shots. I was blown away when I first processed images from a Sigma Merrill … and I pretty much have the same feeling processing these. Can’t wait to get out and really put the camera through its paces. Occupation Lane, Muker | Sigma SD Quattro H Purple | Sigma SD Quattro H Slate Roof | Sigma SD Quattro H Post- processed using SPP and L

A recently re-discovered print of Muker, measuring 6 feet by 3 feet, found in Reeth Memorial Hall, and dating to circa 1950, one year before electricity came to the village and four years before the creation of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Considering its age it’s in remarkable condition. Who took remains a mystery but whoever it was, had a fine eye, a fine camera and a fine set of muscles to carry it! Muker, Swaledale, circa 1950 Original And hopefully the restored ver

A wonderful thing about working in the Old School Gallery is the many conversations we have with the folks who visit; whether it’s the American lady who suddenly recited three Robert Frost poems, or the ex RAF Nimrod pilot who told me tales of flying over the North Atlantic, or the Chinese film maker recently returned from Tibet. We learn so much in these conversations and hopefully give a little back on the subject of art, crafts and photography. Ivelet Bridge, Swaledale | S

My short journey to reach the Cart Ford above the Foss, where you cross the Rushing River, began by The Small Cultivated Field. I passed through The Clearing, then on up the Dale, gaining height as I climbed through Grazing Land. If I’d been visiting my friend Waendel at his Woodland Clearing I’d have taken the pass before The Clearing, careful not to stumble and fall into the potholes full of cooling butter, and down past Sigemund’s Rock, or perhaps climbed up the hill to se

Landlocked though we are, when the wind blows, the wild flower meadows become our sea. Muker Meadows, Swaledale | Sigma DP0 Quattro Muker Meadows, Swaledale | Sigma DP0 Quattro Muker Meadows, Swaledale | Sigma DP0 Quattro Muker Meadows, Swaledale | Sigma DP0 Quattro Muker Meadows, Swaledale | Sigma DP0 Quattro #LandscapePhotography #SigmaDPQuattro #meadows #Photography #Flowers #Yorkshire #Swaledale

Yesterday’s beautiful day in Swaledale held the promise of a great evening’s photography, but as it approached closing time, and my chance to get out, the sky became overcast and the light flat. Nevertheless there was still chance to explore the countryside and search for interesting compositions so I pulled my boots on and headed out. Muker Meadows | Sony RX1rII From Crackpot Hall to Keld | Sony RX1rII stiched Grass & Barn near Thwaite | Sony RX1rII And then, after a quick p

An early morning walk from Muker to Keld, and back via Angram, to judge the morning mood. The weather was overcast, and light flat, until I arrived back at Muker, at which point the sun decided to come out, and then stay out all day. Sods law. Track to Muker | Sony RX1rII Looking back to Buttertubs | Sony RX1rII Angram | Sony RX1rII Upper Swaledale | Sony RX1rII Straw Beck, Muker | Sony RX1rII #LandscapePhotography #Photography #SonyRX1rMarkii #Swaledale #YorkshireDales

Our new life in Muker, Swaledale at the Old School, provides the opportunity to explore the countryside around, understand the light,  read the weather, revisit scenes as the seasons pass, judge the moods, and develop a feel for the landscape with an intimacy I’ve never had the opportunity to do before. I’m sure it will take a year or two before I have a portfolio worthy of the landscape, but  discovery is my favourite part of the process, and the process has begun. Richard T