It might seem like something small

... but it's very big for us

Part of our 'grand plan' has always been to be able to throw the doors of the tractor barn open during the summer months, to let the fresh air and sunshine in, and the people out... There is a (potentially) beautiful south facing enclosed courtyard that is waiting to be filled with sculpture and guests. Unfortunatley this has had to wait while we have saved our pennies to put some steps in. And the time has come! As you can see from the photo, a very hand man (Steve from Hawthorne Landscapes) is building a fine set of steps. It might seem like a small thing, but it will hopefully mark the beginning of a 'new space' for the gallery...

Goodbye to our space rocket

We have lived with a feed silo outside our kitchen window for the last year, and I've grown very fond of it. I've had dreams of painting it stipes of red and white - to look like the space rocket from the frint of one of the first TinTin books. But, instead, we sold it off. A man came with a big lorry and took it away at the weekend. A fond farewell (- if one can be fond of a feed silo...)

Spring is here - so it must be 'end of year'

As spring takes hold, activity on the farm is picking up. The muck collected over the winter has been spread on the fields and harrowed in to fertilise the grass for the next year. Daffodils are just about to burst forth, and the lambs will soon be in the fields. A magical time – and looking forward to sharing it with our son!

Random picture – a wonderful multicolour trailer parked up in a neighbours field. I’ve always been drawn in by the overpainted depth of colour…
I’m waiting on the lawnmower coming back from servicing. It’s a small ride-on, and I think I pushed it too hard last year, poor thing. It’s been in lawnmower hospital for a couple of weeks now; hope it’s let out soon, as it’s about time for the first cut.

Financial year coming to an end in the next few weeks – deep joy. Trying hard to chase up on the paperwork (remember remember - always get an invoice…). It has been a very ‘steep learning curve’ over the last few years, but with some explanations from some very patient accountants I think we are starting to get the hang of it.

Celia Smith’s wire sculpture course has already been booked up for this year. It’s a great feeling to be getting the ball rolling on the courses and putting the extra space at the gallery into a ‘creative’ use.

Tractor Barn coming to life

When we expanded the gallery we converted the old barn where we kept the tractor into 'flexible space' with the aim of using it for meetings and workshops. During 2009 we were so busy (thanks son) that we weren't able to dedicate the time to get the ball rolling. This year, things are starting to take shape; it feels good to see the space filled with people.

Last week the Moors and Coast Tourism Partnership held a networking meeting, and we have our first 'corporate clients' renting the space in a few weeks. Debbie has arranged course and workshops throughout the year, many by makers who are showing at the gallery (if you would like a place on Celia Smith's wire sculpture course you'll need to hurry - only 2 places left...)

It's a good feeling to be linking up with other businesses in the area - with the catering being arranged by Fine Foods of Yorkshire - the award winning deli in Easingwold. The more excuses I have sample their fantastic food the better!

Art of chocolate

Last week I headed out to Switzerland to visit an historic chocolate factory in the mountains north of Lake Geneva. A new centre dedicated to developing artisanal chocolates has opened in the top floor of the old factory and I am lucky to work with this team as part of my 'day job' as a chocolate scientist.

While there I had the chance to take part in a tasting session. What struck me most was not the flavours or textures (which were indeed sublime) but the amazing appearance of the pralines, truffles and chocolates. As part of my work I've made a few basic chocolates, but their creations showed a level of appreciation of form, combined with a mastery of the raw materials that goes beyond simply 'making chocolates'. Depsite being artistic creations, they were still designed to be eaten - and this touches on the long running form vs function debate. (I valiantly put such a debate to one side while sinking by teeth into yet another chocolate creation...)

Farewell to Spike...

The Lund will have a very different personality in the future, as last week we said our final farewell to Spike – our collie/whippet cross. He was out faithful friend for 14 years, and visitors to the gallery have been welcomed by Spike since we first opened four years ago (more enthusiastically in the last few months as he gradually became hard-of-hearing…).

He had a wonderful life, moving from the wilderness of the North Pennines, to rural Bedford, and finally having free range of Lund Farm into his old age. He will be greatly missed.

Northumberland Beach Holiday

Just back from a wonderful weeks holiday in Northumberland; our first holiday with our son. The back door of the holiday cottage opens out onto a wide expanse of sand, with the waves crashing close to the back door when the tide is in. Most days were spent drifting from breakfast to coffee to lunch and on through the day while watching the tides drift in and out. It was a very welcome break. Debbie spent time with sketch book, pen and paint, with the view from the kitchen being a continuing source of inspiration.

While we were away, I tried the boiler out on pellets (rather than wood chip) with the hope it would burn for a whole week on one hopper. As we pulled in back at the Lund following our week away there was a thin stream of smoke from the chimney – a big relief. We’ve also taken a bulk delivery of freshly chipped pine, still trying to find the best fuel for the burner. A balance between price, moisture content, chip size, and whether it’s in bags, bulk bags or tipped. This was tipped, and I still can’t get my head around how the driver managed to get such a huge tractor and trailer into such a small space.

We open the doors to the gallery again on the 6th Feb. The timing feels right; we’ve had time to redecorate, bring in some new and exciting work, have a family break and a ‘breather’, and return refreshed and ready to head into 2010.

… and the cabbages seem to have made it through the winter. Amazing.