An extraordinary photographic exhibition documenting the stories of 40 Cumbrian farmers will open in the Lake District next month.
British Life Photographer of the Year, and Cumbrian farmer, Amy Bateman’s acclaimed exhibition Forty Farms will be at Windermere Jetty Museum, which is run by Lakeland Arts, from March 4 to June 4.
In March 2020 Amy, a farmer and photographer, embarked on a journey to record the stories of 40 farms in Cumbria to produce a coffee table book.
From the Herdwick-grazed Lake District commons to the big-sky Solway marshes; from isolated farmsteads unchanged in generations to businesses at the cutting-edge of innovation; from world-class sheep breeders to award-winning cheese makers, the book is a visual record of farming at a period of profound change.
Over a year, Amy conducted frank conversations with the farmers about the financial challenge of farming; about the tightrope balance of producing quality food in a nature-rich landscape; and about the highs and lows of working in area, known, and loved internationally.
It features contributions from, among others, best-selling author James Rebanks, L’Enclume’s Simon Rogan and veteran damson grower Harley Trotter. The book evolved into the Forty Farms exhibition.
Amy said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be working with Lakeland Arts to bring Forty Farms to Windermere Jetty Musuem for its first stop on its national tour. It’s so important to me to tell the stories of the people and landscape of Cumbria and what a spectacular location to continue the exhibition’s journey, right on the shores of Windermere.”
Rhian Harris, chief executive of Lakeland Arts, added: “As an arts and heritage charity, Lakeland Arts encourages creativity and the exploration of landscape and identity. We’re delighted to be hosting Forty Farms which brings to life the stories of local farmers who for generations have been fundamental in shaping the landscape and culture of this region.”
