 Tales of the Dales, which was initially shown at Wensley Church in July and August opens for a three month run in the lovely Dover Gallery at Farfield Mill on October 5th. The exhibition comprises over sixty framed and unframed paintings and prints - including four new original paintings. The framed work is accompanied by the stories behind each of the images which you can read as you walk through the show, including a story about Farfield Mill. Also in the exhibition are copies of the book Tales of the Dales, which includes all the stories, accompanied by the paintings they inspired, and a set of four greetings cards of Penyghent, Ingleborough, Penhill and Wild Boar Fell. Farfield Mill was built by Joseph Dover in 1837 - probably the first Victorian mill to exist since that was the year the future “Mrs Brown” came to the throne. The mill was driven by a huge waterwheel powered by the dammed waters of the River Clough. The mill spun wool, wove cloth and sent out wool to handloom weavers in the area. After a hundred years of prosperity the mill was sold and never acheived full production again despite a number of schemes including weaving Yorkshire tweed and fashioning crankshafts for aero engines. One of Farfield’s oddest claims to fame is the story of one of its employees: William Stainton. Although stories are often told of the tough times our forefathers faced, few individuals have such an impressive CV. Starting work at the age of eight, William’s mill career comprised an incredible eighty-six years. He clocked out from his final shift at the age of ninety-four.  The exhibition continues until January 5th 2014. Farfield Mill is open 7 days a week: Mill: 10.30 - 5, cafe 10.00 - 5.00 The mill houses a wonderful mixture of artists' studios, mill machinery, looms and a great cafe. Among artists resident at the Mill are Rebecca Callis, Laura Rosenzweig and Helene Shovlar. Their work is lovely - don't miss them!
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