Yorkshire farming life explored in new exhibition at Nunnington Hall

Fields, Folds and Farming Life is the next photography exhibition to open at National Trust property.

The exhibition, which begins on Saturday, September, 9, aims to share candid moments from a year in the lives of upland farmers in Bransdale, a valley and surrounding moorland in North Yorkshire.

The exhibiting photographer is Valerie Mather, a documentary, travel and portrait photographer based in Yorkshire.

Valerie said: “Photography has the power to capture a moment in history, and my hope is that these images paint a picture of the spirit, stoicism and joy of these local farming families and communities today. I wish to share some of the joy & inspiration about farming and nature that I discovered from my year in Bransdale.”

Through the exhibition, the work of Valerie and specially produced films and artwork reveal the hard work and determination of the people at the heart of the farming community; as they continue to navigate the ever-changing agricultural world to achieve a better farming future for people, the environment, and the local wildlife.

Looking after land is central to the National Trust’s founding principles and mission – to care for places of historic interest and natural beauty.

Laura Kennedy, Experience and Programming Manager at Nunnington Hall, said:

“With all work for this exhibition undertaken on the doorstep of Nunnington Hall, we’re excited to share the work in Bransdale with our visitors.

Farming has existed on and around the North York Moors for millennia and around 80% of the land in the care of the Trust is farmed in some way. Like many other places across the country, Bransdale is cared for by the tenant-custodian farmers, the National Trust and its volunteers alongside the National Park Authority.

The Trust is exploring opportunities across the places we care for to ensure all our land is used to its full potential. Working closely with Valerie to tell this story through this exhibition has been an absolute pleasure.”

Fields, Folds and Farming Life opens to visitors to Nunnington Hall on Saturday 9 September and runs until Sunday 17 December.

Nunnington Hall is open from 10.30am – 5pm, with last entry at 4.15pm. (Reduced hours for winter from 24 November, please refer to website). No booking is required.

Normal property admission applies with free admission for National Trust members and under fives.

For more information to help plan a visit, go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nunnington-hall