Back on line.

Many apologies for the lack of recent updates to the blog. This was due to the fact that I decided to change internet providers, what I thought was going to be a simple task actually resulted in me being totally off-line for a couple of weeks. One of the disadvantages of living in the countryside like this is that I was even out of range of wi-fi etc.
 Anyway, normal service has been resumed....hopefully.
I wasn't sitting here doing nothing, in fact I have been really busy with a good progress on the Wainwrights. Below are just a couple of the fells which I have been working on and the studio is now rather full of work hopefully these will be hanging on customers walls by Christmas.

High Stile

Nethermost Pike

Nethermost Pike

Bag yourself a Wainwright

This isn't something I have done before but as I am having issues with uploading data onto the current website I thought that a blog post would keep you up to date.
 Here in the studio I have a selection of Wainwright in Colour completed fells. They a fully complete and ready for purchase. Even though I have not completed all the fells yet for the whole project these few are now looking for good homes. Most of them have previously been ordered by customers but for one reason or another the transactions were not completed. Consequently they are now up for sale on a first come first served basis. Remember that there are actually very few of the Wainwrights in Colour unsold so this is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the fells from this unique project. They are one off originals and no copies or prints will be made of any of the sketches. The only other way to see these works at close hand is when the Wainwrights in Colour book is published.
 So have a look and if you would like more information or perhaps purchase one of the fells then just send me an email to: info@theteesdalegallery.co.uk

Burnbank Fell- Western Fells

5 sketches, frame size 42cm x 59cm £425

What makes this fell so special is the fact that in the revised version of the Pictorial Guide there are now only 2 sketches, the other three have been omitted.

 

Thornthwaite Crag- Far Eastern Fells

7 sketches, frame size 55cm x 79cm £730

Possibly the finest summit beacon or cairn of all the 214 fells. Thornthwaite Crag perhaps has an important claim to fame in that it was very likely the first ever of the 214 fells which Wainwright ever climbed, the day after his visit to Orrest Head in June 1930.

 

Green Gable- Western Fells

5 sketches, frame size 40cm x 71cm. £460

This fell was sold but the client swapped it for another fell which became available. One of those fells which walkers usually visit en-route to the mightier Great Gable. The sketch of the summit includes a view of Pillar.

Graystones- The North Western Fells

6 sketches, frame size 60cm x 51cm, £510

One of the fells north of the Whinlatter Pass. Usually done as part of the round which also includes Broom Fell and Lord's Seat.

Hartsop Dodd- Far Eastern Fells

4 sketches, frame size 56cm x 74cm, £555

Even though it is only 4 sketches it is unique in that 3 of them are full page size in the Pictorial Guide. The sketch on the left is of Dovedale with the similar snow conditions on the fells as in AW's drawing.

Hindscarth- The North Western Fells

9 sketches, frame size 60cm x 74cm, £760

One of the fells encountered in the Newlands round. Two summit cairns, mine entrances ad even a little church give this fell lots of variety in the paintings.

 

Do remember that these are one off paintings and some of the very few which are left for sale. I can email images of all the sketches to potential customers so that you can view them in detail before purchase. Contact me for more information: info@theteesdalegallery.co.uk

Great Gable Memorial

As some of you may know, there is a memorial plaque on the very summit of Great Gable which is dedicated to the members of the Fell and Rock Climbing Club who made the ultimate sacrifice in The Great War. Every year on Remembrance Sunday hundreds of fellwalkers make a pilgrimage to this point to pay respects to all those who have given their lives in that conflict and the following actions.

 This year there was something different, the old plaque has been replaced with a new version, a bright shiny one and free of the spelling mistake of the original which has now apparently has been given to the Imperial War Museum. 

 

Great Gable.

Following this replacement I have had a couple of emails from followers of The Wainwrights in Colour as to whether I would consider revising my sketch for the project (above) to reflect the new memorial. Possibly more in jest than a serious question. However, there is a simple answer, no. It would be virtually impossible for me to revisit locations where some differences have occurred since I first obtained references. I do think that this one is slightly different of course as it is a man made feature and quite unique. The new version at this time is sparkly new and I imagine that in time it will tarnish. I must say though that I rather like the weathered look of the original and of course it would have been the very one which Wainwright himself would have drawn in his sketch.

 So it is an interesting point but I will stick with the current sketch. And not of course forgetting the reason it is there in the first place....

We will remember them.

Awash with Wainwrights

 Every now and then on social media I read something which gets my mind working. So it was yesterday, an announcement which caught me by surprise and the contents of which had me thinking for most of the day. Consequently, and after some deliberation I thought I would share my considerations with you. I don't think for one moment that everyone will agree with me but then that's what makes a blog interesting isn't it?

 So, what was this big announcement? Well, it appears that the Wainwright Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells are up for their second revision.
 Why do I care? Well, as you know, the Pictorial Guides have been a huge part of my life for the past 6 years. Every page of my set have been well thumbed, drawn on, dog-eared and weather beaten. The dustcovers have long gone and the spines are split and tatty. I hold a great affection for these works as I regard Wainwright as a master in what he did.
 What's the problem with revising the guides? Answer, nothing wrong with it at all as long as its done sympathetically to the original. For Chis Jesty's revisions the publisher went to the trouble of designing a printing font which is hard to distinguish from AW's hand written words making the new versions hard to tell from the originals apart from the new routes which were defined in red ink. It jarred that in some places one or two sketches were removed for either the replacement with new wording or left out for no reason leaving an empty gap. (Grange Fell 4). Worse still the removal of full pages and the sketch of the summit (Burnbank Fell) I understand the reasons for doing so but it could have been achieved more sympathetically to the original. The time difference between the original publication and these revisions was about 50 years and the intervening years had brought about variations in some routes etc. which warranted a new revision. AW himself acknowledged that in time his guides would require updating and the fact that he approved Chis Jesty to do this work has some sort of official stamp in the first revisions.
 Now we hear that only 4 years after the revised version of Book 7 The Western Fells was published the second revisions are under way. I cannot believe that this is necessary so soon. Sure, there have been some slight changes in footpaths etc but hardly enough to justify another set of guides. After all, how many of us actually follow the routes in the pictorial guides religiously whilst out walking the fells. Sure, use the guide to plot a route in conjunction with a good map but don't rely on them totally. In all my days out I can hardly recall seeing anyone with guide in hand, on a very rare occasion they are sitting on some summit with the relevant Pictorial Guide observing the panorama and using the drawing to name distant peaks. Has anyone been rescued from the fells because they were not using the up to date version of the guides? Not likely. More likely is the case that they were not prepared in having a map, compass, or head torch.
 The more the guides get revised the more that Wainwrights originals get diluted. His perfect design for the pages is adjusted, some of his humour is left out and his quirky wording cannot be replicated.
For me the original versions are perfect in as much as they are what AW intended and when I open every page I know it is his un adulterated work. Sure some of the detail may be out of date but that's why I use a current OS map and part of the joy of being out on the fells is discovering stuff for myself, the new path, the repaired wall, the replacement footbridge. The work on the footpaths by groups such as Fix the Fells is on-going so how can revisions be totally accurate? (Don't get me started on those people who knock the work of Fix the Fells - another blog post perhaps)
 I recall that when we sold the guides in the gallery the original versions easily outsold the revisions and I understood from my wholesaler that it was something like a ratio of 7 to 3. Asking Wainwright fans to keep updating their bookshelves every 10 years at the cost of nearly £100 seems a bit un-realistic. I wonder if this is more of a case of the publisher trying to keep Wainwright's Pictorial guides on the shelves of bookstores whilst other more current guide books to the fells fill the adjoining space? Let's see how the fell walking public react. In the meantime, good luck to Clive who has been given the task.
 As I stated at the start, these are only my personal thoughts and I welcome comments.

Axed from the book.

 

My search for the final few references for the project nears the end with only about 20 to get. One of the most unusual is of the Stone axe in the Pike 0' Stickle chapter of the Central fells. I had deducted that AW had used one of the axes in the collection of Mr R Plint of Kendal which were in the care of Kendal Museum. After all, AW was a volunteer curator at about the same time and he would have had access to the complete collection. His details of it were very accurate so all I had to do was go and look though the archives and find the right axe. Sadly not as easy as it sounds.

 Firstly I went to the museum some time ago in the hope that the axe may have been on public display however, this was not to be. Even though there were some good samples on display they were not the right ones. To access the rest of the collection I had to book an appointment for another time. This is did and yesterday I made my way to Kendal to tick off the two required references of said axe.

 Once in the storeroom of the museum my task was there in front of me. The complete collection of axes belonging to Mr Plint were there on a table in 5 boxes for me to inspect.

There are over 300 items. Of course for some reason I was expecting 300 large chunks of rock in the vague shape of worked axes but this was not the case, many of the items were really quite small flakes of sharp rock. How anyone can identify these as workings from an axe factory is beyond me, most just looked like innocuous stone chippings. This made my task easier as their size was nothing like what I was looking for. The other advantage was that the boxes were not only labelled with the area from where the contents were collected but within was a printed list of every single item. This was done in 1994, long after Wainwright had used the sample for the Pictorial guide. There were just two of the boxes from the Pike o' Stickle region. One box of which were just small flakes so they were instantly disregarded. The other box was more like it, large rocks with some shape. However, it was not to be, only two samples were anything like the one I was after in shape or size. But, they were definitely not the right one.

The nearest.

Being the right length and width this one just isn't worked enough, how frustrating. I took my time and checked every other box and it's contents with no joy. I then read all of the printed listings in the boxes, all samples were present and correct and only a very few were of the right shape.

 In all my research for the project I had thought that this axe would have been one of the easiest to locate I Kendal Museum. I can only conclude that if the actual axe was in the museum at the time of AW's work then between that time and 1994 when the collection was catalogued the axe has gone missing, who knows.

 I have a couple of options, firstly, to admit defeat on this one and paint the sample shown above which is the nearest to the original or I will contact the local Kendal paper, just in the off chance that someone locally has somehow acquired the sample fro the museum. All in all, a touch frustrating, I don't like using second best.

I will keep you posted.



Taken from above

 Back in the summer I was asked to assist my film-maker friend Alan in a bit of a trial. He had teamed up with another film-maker who specialised in aerial photography. The plan was to use me as the subject in a short film as they worked as a team to fly and film from remote operated aerial platforms. It was an interesting day to say the least and of course great fun.
 I have just been sent the link to the footage. Impressive stuff I think you will agree. I hope to feature this in the new website.
Hugill">http://vimeo.com/77595875">Hugill Force a day out with Andy Beck
from BB">http://vimeo.com/bbstratus">BB Stratus Remote Aeiral Imagery on Vimeo.https://vimeo.com">Vimeo.>

The lakeland 214 update

 As and when I can I fit in some of the small sketches for The Lakeland 214 series of prints. They are proving really quite popular and the list of subjects is growing rather long. I appreciate your patience as I progress with both The Wainwrights in Colour and this project. The first takes priority of course.
 As I mentioned a while ago, when the website is updated the 214 series of prints will have their own section where you will be able to order prints directly. In the meantime just email me for more information.

High Spy..with my little eye

 High Spy is one of those fells which walkers usually do as part of a route rather than a direct ascent. It is in the North Western Fells and has great views in most directions.

The summit Cairn.

One of the more distinctive cairns that mark a fell top in fact it is in better condition now than it was in AW's day.

The Crags.

 

Goat Crag.

This was a reference which I actually forgot to take on a previous visit to Castle Crag so it meant a return visit on a very wet and misty day. This meant that the two Pine trees really contrast with the far fell.

High Spy complete.

All nicely balanced when  seen fully framed.

Website re-vamp

 Those of you who also have an interest in my Andy Beck Images (photography) website and blog will have perhaps seen my post regarding a re-working of my websites. I have been frustrated recently by the issues of uploading photographs and sketches on the website. It would take me quite some time to resolve the issue so instead I have been looking at another method of publishing a website. This may be a Wordpress based website but it is something I an currently looking into. As you may realise, I have more than one string to my bow and understand that some viewers may be interested in my artwork and not my photography and vice versa. I also get quite a few questions about my walking routes either here in Teesdale or onto the Lakeland Fells so this is also something I would like to make easier to find on any new site.
 Lots to think about and quite a bit of research is needed first. Please bear with me as I try to provide the best website for all.
Andy

Just some samples.

 With the issues I have for uploading sketches onto the gallery website I thought I would post a few samples of recent paintings from the project. They are in no particular order but just to give a flavour of my work.

Stock Ghyll Force

Belles Knott

Ullswater.

Castle Rock.

Making good progress.

 The closing of the gallery was a tough decision but definitely the right move. It has given me the freedom to work un-interrupted in my studio at home. This studio is not open to the public but I do get the occasional visitor which is nice. My days are now spent working on the project, getting out on the fells and of course walking Bailey. Gone are the days when I had to attend the shop which just wasn't fruitful enough.
 The fells are now being completed at a good rate, in fact the studio is looking rather like a mini exhibition of work.

No3 Eagle Crag

 

No3 Eagle Crag

 

The response to this new idea has been really encouraging considering that the only way it has been publicised has been either by blog followers or from those of you who see my posts on the Facebook page. Thank you to those who have sent me personal messages or emails requesting copies of these prints or to add their favourite fell to the list of sketches to be produced.

 Eagle Crag is now complete as you can see, a winter scene in the late afternoon as seen from the Borrowdale road. This will soon be off to the printers so if you would like to register your interest in obtaining a copy then just drop me an email. info@theteesdalegallery.co.uk

 I must also thank those of you who have taken time to contact me regarding the sad loss of Zeta last week. Your thoughts and comments have been really touching. Thank you.

 

In memory of a faithful friend.

 As some of you who follow my exploits of Facebook will know, suddenly this week we lost my faithful companion Zeta. It came as a real shock and fortunately she didn't suffer for a long period.

Zeta.

Even though she was almost 13 Zeta was a fit and healthy dog who was my constant companion for all of her years. I saw her at the moment of her birth and the right the way through when we left her at the vets when she was so poorly. We have many many happy memories of her especially of her days on the fells including a special day last week when we wildcamped on Ill Bell and then went to Castle Crag to be part of a celebratory party for a friends completion of all the Wainwright Fells. Zeta was in fact only 25 fells short of completing her second round of the fells. We had a wonderful day on Castle Crag with fell walking friends both two legged and four legged. little did I imagine that Castle Crag would be her last fell.

 As a result of this event we have decided to raise some funds for good causes in memory of Zeta.



I have decided to give all profits from the sale of this print Castle Crag to two charities, Search and Rescue Dogs Association and The Dogs Trust. This includes the profits from the sale of this print so far. This means that from the cost price of £18 about £10 from each copy can be donated to these causes.

 The prints are supplied mounted and ready for framing. They cost £18 + £2 P&P. If you would like a copy then do email me for payment details. info@theteesdalegallery.co.uk

The prints are limited to an edition of only 75, see earlier blog posts for more details.



In the frame

 The response to the new Lakeland 214 idea has been really encouraging and thank you to all those who have taken time to message me. One of the questions that I have had is whether the prints will be available fully framed. The answer to this is yes, in fact I have been framing some copies for customers already. The price framed is £36 + £6 P&P. They are framed in an oak moulding which I currently use for all the Wainwright's in Colour work.

 

As with all the other framing for my artwork and photographs, it is fully undertaken by myself here in the studio using conservation quality materials.

Feel free to email me if you are interested in any of the prints either framed or just mounted. info@theteesdalegallery.co.uk



The first of the many.

 After the great response to the launch of The Lakeland 214 idea both on here and on Facebook I can now progress on with the sketches. I will fit these in amongst the Wainwright sketches which must of course still have the highest priority. I was undecided as to which order to complete the "214" fells but this decision has really been made as I already have had requests for certain fells so they will be listed first. If you would like a print of any fell then let me know and I will just add it to the list. (Email me or message me via Facebook)

 At this time I am having difficulty uploading photos to the website so until I get that sorted I will post info on the Wainwrights in Colour and the Lakeland 214 on this blog.

 The very first two of the prints are now available to purchase, Castle Crag and Lingmoor Fell.

 The images measure 155mm x 120mm and are mounted ready to frame (305mm x 280mm) They are signed and numbered in an edition of only 75 copies. They cost £18 each + £2 P&P.

Contact me if you are interested and I can send you details about payment etc.

The Lakeland 214

Introducing a new series of limited edition prints:

 Even though I am still involved with the completion of The Wainwrights in Colour project, this new line of limited edition prints is here to fulfil requests for prints of my watercolours of the Lakeland Fells. The need to proceed with this work came about by a friend who was completing her 214 "Wainwright" round recently and I was asked to supply a couple of images to celebrate the event. Consequently the first sample of this series have been produced to test the water and see if the demand for such work is there. The first two paintings are of Castle Crag and Lingmoor Fell, a bit of an odd combination but they just happen to be the first and last fells completed by my friend.

 Each of these paintings will represent a view of all of the 214 Lakeland Fells as listed in Wainwright's Pictorial Guides. The scenes will be brand new aspects of the fells and not those produced for the Wainwright's in Colour.They are being reproduced as a limited edition of only 75 copies and they are all signed and numbered by myself. They measure 155mm x 120mm and come mounted to a size of 305mm x 280mm and each print has its own certificate of authenticity. The idea is to make them available at a reasonable price so that they can be given as gifts to those who love the fells or just certain ones in particular.

Being small they will be ideal either as individual prints or they could be hung together in a group. I also envisage that selected prints could be mounted as a montage to group together a range of fells such as popular walking routes i.e The Fairfield Horseshoe or a classic range such as The High Stile ridge. These would make really special mementos of days out on the fells. As an example, I framed up these two prints to show how they could be presented as a commemorative gift complete with descriptive title.

The potential is quite wide to make these prints into wonderful keepsakes for all fellwalkers.

keep an eye out on this blog or the website or Facebook for updates on progress.

As a guide, individual mounted prints will retail at £18 + P&P. There will be a scale of prices for a selection of prints in frames.

In the meantime I will continue on to complete the Wainwright's in Colour project and fit in more of these sketches as and when I have time.

Do contact me if you have an interest in any particular fells.

 

 

End of an era

 Well, as I write this there is only one more hour to go before we shut the door on 6a The Bank for good. After 21 years it will be quite a moment as I turn the key in the lock.
 Many many thanks for all the good wishes from friends and customers both in person and via facebook etc.
But of course it's not the end of things, not by a long way, just a change in direction. The freedom I will have from not having the commitment to be in the shop will allow me to move forward and bring all the plans I have into fruition. I has been odd telling people that I am shutting the door because I am too busy but thats how it is. I appreiate that there are quite a few people who have been waiting patiently to receive their Wainwright Fells and even more who eagerly await the publication of the Wainwrights in Colour book. This opporutnity will allow me to put the whole project to bed and move on to those next ideas which have been developing in my head.
 So many thnaks to all those who visited and supported the gallery in the past 21 years and I hope you will continue to do so via the websites and social networking from now on.