Living in Cumbria, we are surrounded by sheep, but how often do we actually think about them or their impact on history.  They are entwined with our story, having brought us warmth, food and income.  They have changed our landscape, made our country rich in the Middle Ages and played a key role in the Industrial Revolution.   During the past year, Becks has explored some of these stories, whilst trying to learn to spin and process wool and creating a dress from the 1830s.  The talk is an opportunity to share some of these stories and will be accompanied by a drop in session in the gallery to learn about spinning and processing wool during the course of the day.  This activity has been developed thanks to funding from Arts Council England.

The session is delivered by Becks Skinner, a Freelance Heritage Practitioner.  Becks specialises in working with small to medium sized heritage organisations, interpreting collections and bringing them alive to wider audiences.  She is a published author of ‘British Para 1940-45’ and provides talks on a variety of topics she has covered in her professional life, including the ‘Victorian Reverse Striptease’.