Winter Clouds Reflected in Derwentwater – Christmas Day 2019

I’ve not been actively engaged with photography in recent months, especially during the coronavirus lockdown. However, I have spent time looking through photos I made in December 2019.

This one is from a walk I completed on Christmas Day. The photo was made from Catbells, the final summit of the Newlands Horseshoe. A 12 mile walk and 3900 ft of ascent, visiting the summits of Robinson, Hindscarth, Dale Head, High Spy, Maiden Moor and Catbells. It was a truly spectacular day, one of the best walks I’ve done.

© Simon Howlett 2020. All rights reserved

Faroe Islands Trip & Fletchertown Exhibition

Here’s an excellent short video from Haussmann Visuals showcasing the spectacular Faroe Islands which I’ll be visiting later this year. I’ve wanted to visit the islands for a number of years so I’m very much looking forward to photographing the stunning landscape and seascape. A great deal of my research for this trip has been done with the assistance of Google Earth – it’s a remarkable aid in getting to know a location.

 

Also been busy framing prints in preparation for the Solway Arts Exhibition at Allhallows Community Centre, Fletchertown, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 1BS. Currently trying out some double profile frames which is a departure from the plain frames I’ve used before. The exhibition runs from the 18th August – 27th August 2018, 11.00 am – 4.00 pm. Free entry and the tea room is open for refreshments 🙂

176 Not Out

I’ve recently completed my 176th Wainwright fell with only 38 left to complete. This photo was taken in February 2018 on my way up to High Raise and Sergeant Man from Stonethwaite. The Solway Firth, Bassenthwaite Lake, Skiddaw and Keswick can be seen in the distance.

I had a successful winter walking from both Stonethwaite and Seathwaite which are great jumping-off points for a number of superb fells. Only had one mishap when falling off the side of Glaramara during a steep decent in wet weather. Luckily I did not fall far but had a sore back for a few days.

All going well, I should complete the Wainwrights this year. I’m then hoping to trek in the foothills of the Himalaya. The trek that really appeals to me is a two week hike which includes spectacular views of Everest in the distance along with visits and accommodation at a number of the monasteries. The tranquility and photographic opportunities will be incredible.

I’ve been thinking about taking a medium format film camera with me but I’m now considering taking a digital SLR. I just hope I can find a socket for the battery charger!!

© Simon Howlett 2018. All rights reserved

Skiddaw & Blencathra Reflections

The fells Skiddaw and Blencathra reflected in Derwent Water from Manesty in the first photo and Tewet Tarn in the second. I’ve visited these locations many times over the years in all sorts of weather conditions. On these two dawn visits it was a pleasure to experience the tranquil surroundings, the only sound at Manesty being geese in flight over the lake. The cow coming to the tarn for water on the right of the photo below was a real bonus – serendipity and choreography combined for a few fleeting minutes!

© Simon Howlett 2017. All rights reserved

Birthplace of a Mutineer

Moorland Close Farm, the birthplace of Fletcher Christian and St. Bridgets church where he was christened.

A bootprint, initialed FC, in the lead flashing of the summer house pictured above, is reputed to be that of Fletcher Christian. Mel Gibson visited the farm in the 1980s when making ‘The Bounty’. I believe he clambered up on to the summer house to take a look at the bootprint.

The white foal in the first photo kept a curious eye on me at all times. A pleasure to see … it made my day.

© Simon Howlett 2017. All rights reserved

Allonby, Aigle Ghyll & Criffel

Following in the footsteps of local artists Sheila Fell RA (1931-1979) and Percy Kelly (1918-1993). Above is Allonby, the subject of a number of paintings by both artists. Percy Kelly lived in Allonby from 1958 to 1970.

Below is a scene looking towards Aigle Ghyll farm and Criffel. Sheila Fell made paintings of the farm which is close to Aspatria where she was born.

© Simon Howlett 2017. All rights reserved

Platinum/Palladium Prints

An ongoing series of platinum/palladium prints (5.5 inch x 8.25 inch) photographed in Maryport, Cumbria. Above is Sincerity, below is the  Stjernen, Our James and Balcary.

Shot with a digital SLR and processed/converted to B&W in Lightroom. The negatives were processed in Photoshop and printed on Pictorico transparency film. The platinum/palladium prints were made on Bergger COT-320 paper.

The contact print process and the remarkable moment when the print appears can be seen to great effect in this video by Paul Cunningham: Platinum Print Process

© Simon Howlett 2017. All rights reserved

Our James, Balcary & Albatros

I’ve always enjoyed visiting Maryport and photographing the numerous vessels there. I’m planning to make platinum prints of these images which I think are well suited to the process.

This year I intend to spend more time locally, visiting Maryport, Allonby and Whitehaven along with the Lakes, Eden Valley and Hadrian’s Wall.

The artists Sheila Fell RA (1931-1979) and Percy Kelly (1918-1993) have been an inspiration regarding this. Local artists, they predominantly painted scenes from Cumbria. Both of them visited Maryport on many occasions along with Sheila Fell’s good friend LS Lowry.

They are still very much in peoples’ thoughts in this part of the world. A neighbour’s friend can recall travelling on the bus with Sheila Fell to Carlisle School of Art in the late 1940s. Another neighbour remembers seeing Sheila Fell working out in the landscape during the 1960s … a wonderful insight into the life of a remarkable artist.

More information can be found here:

Sheila Fell Exhibition / Sheila Fell Interview / Percy Kelly

© Simon Howlett 2017. All rights reserved

Exhibition & Art Fair

Very much enjoyed taking part in the Carlisle Arts Fair 27/28 August and the Solway Arts’ Exhibition at Fletchertown 20-29 August. Great artwork from a diverse range of artists at both events. Looking forward to the Carlisle Winter Fair at the Sands Centre on 20 November which I’m hoping to attend  🙂

© Simon Howlett 2016. All rights reserved

Greta Bank and Blencathra

Plenty of snow last week so spent a number of days peering across at Blencathra from Threlkeld quarry along with a brief visit to Greta Bank. Spotted this particular tree some months ago and promised myself I would revisit as soon as it snowed.

© Simon Howlett 2016. All rights reserved