The Lake District, Cumbria, has long associations with iconic interior designers such as William Morris, gardeners such as Thomas Mawson and architects such as Edward Welby Pugin and Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott, even spawning an entire design movement The Arts and Crafts Movement, led by theorist John Ruskin.
This design pedigree that has spurred on two locals industry insiders with over 65 years of design experience between them. Garden designer Liz Newport and interior designer Maureen Whitemore have created their first ever Home and Garden Show and it will fill Rheged, the largest grass covered buildings in the UK, located just off the M6 at Penrith and at the northern gateway to the Lakes.
The key thread running through this new Home and Garden Show on Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March 2015, is that modern Cumbria is all about quality – its scenery, architecture, gardens, culture, food and crafts people.
A huge range of businesses from across Wales, Scotland, the West Midlands, Derbyshire, Yorkshire, the North East and entire the North West have been keen to get involved, including architects, landscape and garden specialists, interior specialists, furniture makers, blacksmiths, tile suppliers, fabric suppliers, as well as reclamation and salvage companies. Over 60 businesses will be on hand to provide helpful hints and design insight to help you make your house a home.
Throughout the Show selected businesses will offer a range of FREE talks and demonstrations to help you pick up the latest trends, as well as how to sessions including upholstery, stencilling, how to get the best out of your architect, hardy plants and the use of stone in your garden..
Also during the packed weekend, TV celebrities Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood, from BBC2's, Great Interior Design Challenge, will also be on hand to share their insider style secrets and top trade tips to help you create a beautiful home.
But that’s not all, broadcaster, author, and Chairman of BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, Eric Robson, will also be sharing gardening insider tips to help you make the most of your outside space, as he plays host to A Gardeners' Question Time with a panel of Cumbrian experts. These include Janet Queen, head gardener at Rose Castle, Tom Attwood of Abi and Tom’s Garden Plants, James Smith of Growing Well and Shelagh Todd, Head of Horticulture at Newton Rigg College.
Maureen Whitemore, of Whitemore and Thwaytes Interiors, said: “Cumbria is building a reputation for the clever ways that private homes, hotels and guest houses embrace contemporary design and the talents of local crafts people while reflecting the county’s heritage. We believe visitors to the show will be inspired by the high calibre of exhibitors, who cover everything from hard landscaping to soft furnishings, outside and inside, upstairs and downstairs, classic and contemporary”
The Home and Garden Show runs from 10am-4pm on Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March. Entry fee is just £5 and includes the free talks and demonstrations in the Exhibition Halls and £1 off a hot or cold drink.
Tickets may be booked in advance at www.rheged.com for a special price of £4 a person. A Gardeners’ Question Time costs an extra £3 a ticket (in aid of Growing Well which cultivates good mental health through organic vegetable production). The Sunday talks by Sophie Robinson and Daniel Hopwood at 11am and 3pm and cost £10 a ticket. Parking is free.
More information about the show can be found at www.rheged.com
Photo:
Matt Jardine Cabinet Maker- Keswick - Bed – Bassenthwaite