A Derbyshire hill comes to London

Longcliffe Quarries providing support for unique art exhibition taking place in the capital

LONDONERS will be given a unique opportunity to help build a drystone wall next month, when a Derbyshire artist brings the fascinating story of a Derbyshire hill to the capital.

‘HILL’ – the story of one Derbyshire hill, told in photography, moving images, sculpture, poetry and sound – will take place at the Copeland Gallery in Peckham from 21 February to 3 March.

The exhibition will show the work of award-winning photographer Kate Bellis, who has spent the last 20 years documenting the relationships between rural communities and the land around them.

Her images capture the working life of the hill – farming and quarrying – as well as images of the local community that live in the shelter of the hill. 

Alongside her photographs, the exhibition will house a full-sized Friesian dairy cow – made from the hill itself, using Longcliffe limestone, by acclaimed sculptor Sally Matthews.

In addition, a 20ft limestone wall will be partially built before the launch by local Derbyshire quarryman and farmer Nick Wilson and his partner Emma Alsop, and during the exhibition members of the public will have the opportunity to help complete it.

The Project has been supported by the Arts Council and Longcliffe Quarries.

Robert Shields, chairman of Longcliffe Group Ltd, said: ‘Longcliffe is a family business with a strong sense of place and local community. Although local products – including our limestone – are consumed nationwide, the world of the Derbyshire uplands remains relatively hidden.

‘We are hugely proud to be able support Kate’s exhibition and help provide people with a glimpse of life in this beautiful part of the country.’