Where to See Art by Three Generations of Women Artists in North Yorkshire?

Ever walked past an old stone cottage and wondered about the stories it holds? Well, in the stunning landscape of Malham in North Yorkshire, one particular cottage has been home to an incredible story of art, family, and creativity spanning a century. For the first time in 15 years, an exhibition is bringing together the work of three generations of women from the same family, all of whom lived and created in High Barn Cottage. It's a rare chance to see a unique artistic dynasty up close.

An artistic legacy in a Malham cottage

Imagine a family where the artistic gene is so strong it passes from grandmother to mother to daughter. That's exactly what happened here. The story begins with Constance Pearson (1886-1970), a talented artist who set up her studio in the family's Malham home. Her creative spark was passed down to her daughter, Philippa (1921-1999), who in turn inspired her own daughter, Katharine Holmes. Today, Katharine is a full-time artist, still working out of the very same studio her grandmother used all those years ago. It's a powerful connection to the past, with the same light and landscape of Malham influencing the family's art for decades. This special connection between the three women and their shared creative space is what makes their story so compelling.

More than just pretty pictures

The exhibition, titled Katharine Holmes and Three Generations of Painting and Living in a Malham Cottage, is not just a collection of paintings. It's a journey through time, showcasing the different styles and skills of these remarkable women. Constance Pearson, for example, was a student at the Leeds School of Art and was heavily influenced by Art Nouveau. That's an art style from the late 19th and early 20th century known for its flowing lines and nature-inspired designs. Visitors can see this in her work, including a beautiful brooch she made, showing her skill in craft as well as painting. Her illustrations often captured rural life in the 1940s and 50s. Some of her textile collages from the 1950s have even been recently acquired by The Folly.

Katharine's work offers a more contemporary view of the same landscape. She often takes her work outside the studio, creating drawings and paintings of the ever-changing Malhamdale scenery right there in the open air. The exhibition features some of her new drawings made while out walking, alongside powerful oil paintings of Malham Cove. It's amazing to see how the same views can inspire such different art across three generations.

Celebrating women in art

This exhibition does something really important: it shines a big spotlight on women artists. For a long time, the art world didn't pay enough attention to the creativity of women. This event helps to change that by telling the story of an artistic dynasty that is entirely female. Katharine herself commented on this, saying, "So often women have been overshadowed by artist fathers, brothers or husbands. What I think is interesting in this story is that the women featured have found ways to pursue artistic careers."

This celebration of female creativity has been supported by Arts Council England. Pete Massey, the director for the North, explained why they got involved. "It's fantastic that the work of these three artists is being exhibited together for the first time in 15 years and I'm pleased we have supported it with £100,000 through the Unlocking Collections strand of our National Lottery Project Grants programme," he said.

"Women artists have often been overlooked in the past so to see paintings and other creative work spanning two centuries and with such an intriguing family link is a rare opportunity which I'm sure will be enjoyed by visitors to The Folly."

Support from the National Lottery and Arts Council England is vital for bringing important local culture and stories like this to a wider audience.

Meet the artists: Constance, Philippa, and Katharine

So, who were these three women? Their stories are just as fascinating as their art.

• Constance Pearson: The matriarch of this artistic dynasty. She wasn't just a hobbyist; her art was a career. Her work sold regularly at exhibitions, which helped support the family finances, especially during the war. She created a huge amount of work, from portraits and illustrations to craft pieces. Katharine has fond memories of her grandmother, recalling how the cottage was always full of art supplies. "She was surrounded by canvases, paintings and painting equipment. Every Saturday morning when I was very young I would join her and we would chat and I'd paint."
• Philippa Holmes: Constance's daughter, Philippa, inherited the family's artistic talent. Her path was a bit different. During World War Two, she became an occupational therapist, cleverly using her art and craft skills to help injured soldiers recover. Later, she taught art and English to disabled pupils. After she got married and returned to Malhamdale, art became a lifelong hobby. She eventually moved back into High Barn Cottage to care for her mother, raising her own daughter, Katharine, in that same creative environment.
• Katharine Holmes: The third generation of the family's artists. Growing up surrounded by art, it's no surprise she became a full-time artist. She moved back into the family cottage in 2007 and continues the legacy from her grandmother's studio. Katharine has travelled the world for her art, but her deep connection is to the North Yorkshire landscape. "Living and working at High Barn Cottage I have felt very privileged to be surrounded by such an inspiring landscape," she says. Her paintings and drawings are a testament to that bond.

See the exhibition for yourself at The Folly

This amazing story of family, creativity, and place is on display right now. The exhibition runs at The Folly in Settle until January 3. The Folly itself is a beautiful Grade I listed historic house, making it the perfect backdrop for such a historic collection of art. It's home to the Museum of North Craven Life, which tells stories about the people and landscape of the area. What's more, entry to the exhibition is completely free, and some of Katharine's work will be available for sale. It's a brilliant chance to experience a unique piece of North Yorkshire's culture and see the incredible legacy of these three generations of talented artists.