We’ve been passing the Well Dressing at Whitwell for quite a while now and haven’t had a chance to stop off to look at it. This afternoon we were able to – and we’re so glad that we did. It’s a stunning piece of art, craftsmanship, dedication and patience.
Well Dressing appears to have been around for ages – since 1349, with its Derbyshire roots either being for religious (possibly pagan) reasons, or celebrate pure water during the Black Death.
Highly impressive
It’s the sheer amount of work involved with it that’s impressive. A frame is made from soaked wood, clay poured into it and a design transferred from paper to the clay, through pin pricks.
Natural materials – coffee beans, seeds, plant petals even broken egg shells (for the flesh tones) – are painstakingly pressed in to the clay one at a time, building up a complete image.
This year’s scene represents the 1889 Whitwell bells which have recently been refurbished.
The results really have to be seen to be appreciated.
If you’re aren’t sure where to find it, you can find it on Google Maps.
Clicking on the photos brings them up full size. Clicking on the numbers or arrows at the bottom of the small photos takes you to other photos in the set.
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