Teesdale Felt: Wool and Weather – Four Seasons in the North Pennines

Using natural materials including local wool, Claire Priestley showcases a range of original felted landscapes.

Claire uses wet felting techniques to create images of landscapes, seascapes, animals and 3D vessels, lampshades and resist work. Needle felting is used to enhance these items and create ornaments and animal sculptures. This exhibition features both framed and mounted works as well as 3D artwork such as needle felted sheep, felted bowls, lamps, and sculptural pieces.

Claire said: “I am a local felt artist, living, and working in Teesdale. My artwork has evolved over time as I experiment with different techniques and fibres. Each piece is very tactile and textured, and I work with a variety of materials including merino wool, silks, ribbon, hand spun yarn, Angelina fibre, curly locks and natural fabrics.”

As Claire’s reputation has developed as an emerging British felt artist, she has been featured in several publications including the Australian ‘Felt’ magazine. As well as creating and exhibiting original artwork, Claire also teaches in the locality and further afield.

Claire said: “Felting is particularly therapeutic, and I regularly offer community-based workshops where students benefit from working creatively with wool and fibres. Recent commissions have included projects working with the Durham Wildlife Trust, Northern Heartlands, North Pennines National Landscape, Teesdale Special Flora Trust and Highlights Rural Touring.”

Claire is a member of the International Feltmakers Association and in 2019 founded her small business ‘Teesdale Felt’. Since its conception, this business has evolved and thrived, changing as various openings and challenges materialise.

Claire retails a wide variety of kits and materials and has developed several online YouTube tutorials.

This business has been shortlisted for two local business awards in the Social Responsibility and Customer Focus categories and Claire reached the finals of the Lancashire  Artist of the Year Awards 2024 with her Trough of Bowland landscape.