This year, The Food Museum is delighted to be hosting an exhibition by British Life Photographer of the Year, and Cumbrian farmer, Amy Bateman, in the recently refurbished exhibition space; the William Bone Building.
Forty Farms offers a unique insight into the everyday lives, fears and hopes of 40 extraordinary farmers, through photography, products, film and words to create an immersive experience. In March 2020, Amy Bateman embarked on a journey to record the stories of forty farms in the Lake District and Cumbria to produce a sumptuous coffee table book. From the Herdwick-grazed Lake District commons to the big-sky Solway marshes; from isolated farmsteads unchanged in generations to businesses at the cutting-edge of innovation; from world-class sheep breeders to award-winning cheese makers, the book is a visual record of farming at a period of profound change.Over the course of a year, Amy conducted frank conversations with the farmers about the financial challenge of farming; about the tightrope balance of producing quality food in a nature-rich landscape; and about the highs and lows of working in area, known, and loved internationally. With contributions from, among others, best-selling author James Rebanks and L’Enclume’s Simon Rogan and veteran damson grower Harley Trotter. The book evolved into the Forty Farms exhibition.
The exhibition will also feature delicious tasters on offer in the museum’s adjoining demonstration kitchen, inspired by the stories told through the exhibition. Amy Bateman’s award-winning book and prints will be available to purchase in the Food Museum shop.
Picture caption: One of the stunning images from the exhibition in Suffolk
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