On the 21st January 2025, the Wensleydale Sheep: A Handcrafted History exhibition had it’s opening day at Tennants Garden Rooms in Leyburn, where it has been enjoyed by visitors from far and wide until the 17th February. In its time at Tennants, the exhibition has garnered a lot of positive feedback and publicity for the breed, celebrating some wonderful highlights that have helped to promote our Wensleydales and the fantastic fleece that they produce.
On the initial opening day itself, Dr Graham Steventon gave an excellent and (very!) well attended talk on Wensleydale sheep, discussing their rich history as well as the unique features of the breed and their status in the modern day. Following requests from those who were unable to attend, we also have a video of the talk available for all to watch on YouTube. Breed Secretary Jodi Shadforth also took a couple of sheep along to greet visitors on their way in to see the exhibition, proving to be a popular welcoming committee! The artwork of course spoke for itself, with an amazing array of heritage woolcrafts on display from some incredibly talented artists based throughout the UK.
Towards the end of the exhibition period, Ex Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also made his way to see the exhibition, meeting with some of the contributing artists, Jodi and WLSBA Chairman Ernie Sherwin. It has all proved to be a brilliant opportunity for the breed, with Tennants expressing that it was one of the most popular exhibitions they have hosted. We have also garnered some media interest, with publications in the Yorkshire Living magazine, Darlington & Stockton Times, Richmondshire Today and the York Press amongst other news outlets.
