Primary references

While the Town remains my primary source of inspiration the available information is limited to the green civic society plaques that adorn the walls of the town and the invaluable contemporary historical and first hand knowledge of the locals, I have to smile while I write this, as is the case with every town of historical significance there is a much loved and revered reference to Folklore.

I have so far collected the following books which have brought much to me in the way of both knowledge and an inspiration to move forward to where I am now

The first is A Cumbrian Trilogy by Melvynn Bragg, a romantic though absolutely wonderful story following a family from historic times through the generations to modern times, I have to admit that it was the well research that captivated my sense of history and prevented my finishing the book once contemporary issues were reached.

The second, Lakeland Towns by Jom Watson, a beautifully illustrated book by Cicerone Press that concentrates on the main Towns of Cumbria.

Thirdly, an Historic Photographic record of Kenda, part of the Britain in Old Photographs series Kendal by Margaret and Percy Duff. Wonderful photographs that must have taken so long to acquire as to make it quite invaluable to me, my own collection not even reaching ten as yet, the day is young.

Finally I have a pamphlet type book published by the Kendal Civic Society entitled, A walk around Kendal, this takes in a a descriptive walk through a very tiny part of the Town, and provides good historic information.

Having just returned from a spiritual retreat it will take me a few days to get back into the swing of life at which time I actively start my own journey through the town, with camera and sketchbook there is much to document and discover and will, I am sure, be no quick task, fortunately the exhibition is not until next September, however, now allready October so time will pass quickly.

First steps

Despite many photographs and locals, sketches of buildings and points of interest and a varied assortment of paintings, there is still much to encompass to capture the fullness of a vibrant and growing town, particularly if I am going to gain an absolute cross section of life.

For starters there is the Civic society whose role takes in both the historic and contemporary aspects of town planning, listed buildings and the erection of the many 'green plaques' that adorn the walls of many of the towns buildings, plaques that list the general history, characters and original usage, many of which were the founding places of trades that no longer exist, the wool, cooperage, livestock, dignitaries and historical persons of some renown such as Sir Alfred Wainright et al.

There are also a multitude of groups, clubs, sporting and charitable organisations, many of which are probably unknown to the many such as the Philosophical and literary meetings of which I was not even aware until a recent bout of research uncovered them, as I visit each location I will, where applicable provide both internet links and names of those involved in the general running and membership for your information.

Where books that will help in the research are concerned I am already getting directions from interested persons, books I am sure that will, not only unravel many of the towns mysteries and folklore but also help and inspire me in my work.

The fan page on face book is beginning to grow now and, following my forthcoming trip to sussex, be launched.

succumb to a passion

It has finally happened, the town, Kendal, that I have been bleating on about, my musings growing steadily over the past year, have finally taken hold, unable to continue piecemeal to record its buildings and folk I am now forced to commit a dedicated time to this pastime.

With it now being October the nights are drawing in and the ambient temperature already forcing me out of my sandals, what a stupid time to make a decision that forces me out into the weather but hey, such is life.

I am not sure as yet how this study will take place, I already have many fotographs of the townsfolk and sketches of buildings, I even have a couple of books, donated by Andrew, a Kendalian born and bred, which provide many photographs of ‘Old Kendal’, despite its sometimes desperate history it nonetheless continues to be a place of great romance for me.

I have set up a dedicated facebook page that will act as a fan base and have started to mailshot many local people who might have an interest, either in following an artistic study of their town or wish to follow my research as a part of their own learning curve, research! The thing I had most difficulty comprehending in college only now makes sense in as much as I have an open time scale to do it properly, one hopes.

This will not be a blog of historical facts laid out in the form of a chronological story though it will be impossible to avoid the historical facts, these will however materialise and form in the most organic way as I complete my wanderings around the town and will lead, ultimately to the Doodle Room Exhibition arranged for September 2010, more details on this nearer the day.