Category Archives: Cumbria

Pink Skies, Blue Streets And Teal Sidewalks: That’s Carlisle In Technicolor!

Posted on October 13, 2017 by Betsy

While I was taking a hairdryer to three waterlogged Barbours, Cumbria-based artist Helen Walsh was showing a group of museumgoers how to embellish fabric with beads and sequins, I discovered. Lovely 1920s purses provided the inspiration for the September session … Continue reading →

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Mead Is No Match for William’s Wallhanging and Edward’s Windows

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Betsy

Beowulf’s warriors and the pilgrims of the Canterbury Tales may have smacked their lips over mead, but I thought a free swig of the legendary medieval honey wine was no match for the intoxicating feeling of being at Lanercost Priory. … Continue reading →

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It’s The Place In The Pinecone!

Posted on November 22, 2015 by Betsy

Jim turned down a country road, parked the Mountain Goat Mercedes beside a playground where schoolchildren were having recess, pulled out a slip of paper, and read: “In the village of Wreay, just above the Lake District, stands perhaps the … Continue reading →

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Oh My Stars! It’s Owen Jones!

Posted on November 21, 2015 by Betsy

We hurried along Castle Street to Carlisle Cathedral. Owen Jones was waiting for us! Our destination has been standing there since 1122, when it was founded as an Augustinian priory. Built of local red sandstone, the Norman-style church became a cathedral … Continue reading →

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Anyone Visiting Tullie House Might Well Fancy They Have Dropped Into A Dream Of Fairyland

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Betsy

When William Morris saw thrushes stealing strawberries from his garden at Kelmscott Manor, he was inspired to create one of the most iconic designs of the Arts and Crafts Movement: “Strawberry Thief.” Morris created the pattern around 1883, and it was the … Continue reading →

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