A NEW exhibition featuring work made from picked-up items will go on display at the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes on Saturday (24 May).

Lawrence Cutting has turned his passion for collecting items he finds into an art form and some examples – called The Found Past – will be on display at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority-owned museum from 10am to 5pm daily until 22 June.

Mr Cutting, who moved to Yorkshire in 1972 and took a full time post at Manchester Polytechnic and the Harrogate College of Art, said: “The exhibition at the Dales Countryside Museum has been inspired by the ephemera and objects found in our house, but it also relates to my interest in making work based on past events and influences.

“The collages on show are based on objects, scraps of newspapers, wrappers, cigarette cards, letters and things found under the floorboards during various alterations since moving in 1972.

“They are usually in pairs or sets of three. Each piece contains all the elements of the whole, telling a sequential, hidden story. I use original materials and different predominant colours, dictated by the theme I’m working on rather than scanned images, the layering and texturing giving a depth of image inspired by the themes and materials used.”

The artist will be giving a talk on his work on 25 May between 10am and 12.30pm and he will be holding a collage workshop on 31 May between 1pm and 3pm, for which there will be a £10 charge.

The exhibition is the latest in a series at the Museum, which opens daily between 10am and 5pm.

Manager Fiona Rosher said: “We are thrilled to be able to feature the fascinating collage work of Lawrence Cutting. “The pieces are intriguing, each telling its own story and making links with the past in a creative way.

“We are particularly pleased that Lawrence has agreed to give a talk about his work and to lead a collage workshop. Together with the exhibition we hope these events will inspire people to take an interest in the past and possibly to create their own piece from objects they have found in or around their own home.”

• 1 June: Rag rug making – free demonstration, display and ‘have a go’ session from 10am to 4pm.
• 3 June: Spinning a Yarn – join the Friends of the Museum in the foyer demonstrating spinning and woolcrafts from 2pm to– 4pm.
• 13 June: The Victorian kitchen – Friends of the Museum will be in costume in the Victorian kitchen and will be talking to visitors about cheese and butter making between 11am and 4pm.
• 15 June: Introduction to digital photography and the use of computers – how to download your pictures to a computer and discover how to improve and manipulate them using Adobe Photoshop Elements. 10.30am to 4pm. Please bring your camera with cable to connect to the computer and a USB memory stick. Under 16s to be accompanied, not suitable for under 12s. Booking essential
• 21 June: House history at Hawes ¬– an afternoon of lectures and case studies from 1pm to 4.30pm. This partnership between the Museum and the North Yorkshire County Council’s County Record Office will enable people to start researching their home or other buildings. There will be a charge of £8 for this event to include refreshments.
• 28 June to 17 July: Carol Tyler presents: Perspectives of Gayle Mill – an exhibition in words and images charting some of the hidden stories, aesthetics and restoration of this unique building.
• 28 June: Traditional dry stone walling demonstration from 2pm to 4pm.

For further information, please contact the Dales Countryside Museum, Station Yard, Hawes, on 01969 666210 or email hawes@yorkshiredales.org.uk.