The historic Gayle Mill in Wensleydale will be the centre of attention at a new exhibition opening at the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes on Saturday 23 April.

Entitled Echoes of Gayle Mill, it comprises a series of paintings by Kendal artist Suzie Barnes of the inside and outside of the building, which was featured in the BBC Restoration series and was totally restored from a derelict state.

The free exhibition is the latest in a series to be staged at the Museum, which is owned by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, and it will run to May 19.

Museum Officer Debbie Allen said: “It’s a fascinating study of the mill and the machinery in it and it’s a very interesting way of interpreting one of the historic industries of the Dales.”

Suzie said: “It is my first solo exhibition and, as such, it’s an exciting milestone in my own artistic progression.

“I have no real formal training but, over the years, I have attended various courses which have given me the confidence and motivation to move forward and develop my own style.

“I seek inspiration from a variety of sources. Painting mainly in watercolour with the addition of inks and gouache, I enjoy exploring the sense of pattern, colour, form and texture within the subject matter.

“In the case of Gayle Mill, I visited it as a tourist interested in the history of the place and came away fired by the abstract qualities and artistic possibilities of the machines and the marks left on them by the people who spent a life time working in the mill.

“I loved the functionality of the machines built to endure and the understandable technology which has its own unique beauty.

“In this series of paintings I have attempted to capture the character of the mill and the wear and tear on the machines which has been imprinted upon them over their years of use.“

Anyone who would like more information should contact the Museum – which is open daily between 10am and 5pm – on 01969 666210 or email hawes@yorkshiredales.org.uk