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The making of a 'Well dressing'

Well dressing is a tradition practised in parts of rural England in which wooden frames are constructed and covered with clay, mixed with water and salt. A design is sketched on paper, and this is traced onto the clay. The picture is then filled in by pressing natural materials, predominantly flower petals - mosses - beans, seeds and small cones onto the clay. Here a well dressing is being put together by locals of 'Great Hucklow' When completed the two pieces will be fixed together and placed upright at a nearby well, spring or some other source of water.

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11 comments

Jaap van 't Veen said:

Interesting image and note.
17 months ago ( translate )

David G Johnson replied to Jaap van 't Veen:

Cheers''.. Jaap'.... from > Dj.
17 months ago

TOZ said:

Alot of work goes into the well dressing David two very nice photos.
Have a great day TOZ
17 months ago

David G Johnson replied to TOZ:

Thanks Gordon.,.. yes and a rewarding pastime for many residents too - Have a good day yourself,..and keep well - from Dj.
17 months ago

Nicolas Mertens said:

Wow! Very interesting!
17 months ago ( translate )

J.Garcia said:

Beautiful artwork and atelier, David
17 months ago ( translate )

Keith Burton said:

Fascinating stuff Roger..............it sounds like an organic mosaic! I love the colours and detail you've captured in both these shots. It's always good to see people keeping these old traditions alive.

Super capture and narrative!
17 months ago

David G Johnson replied to Keith Burton:

Cheers Keith,... as you'll know these things can be seen all around Derybshire and Staffordshire too .. and yes local people spending worthwhile time together,.. // Keep well and Cheers from Dj.
17 months ago

Madeleine Defawes said:

Superbe artisanat !
Merci pour les explications intéressantes.
Bon weekend. Amitiés
17 months ago ( translate )

David G Johnson replied to Madeleine Defawes:

Thank you Madeleine,.. it is better to see the whole thing when finished ,. you too have a good rest of the weekend ,. and Cheers'' from > David J
17 months ago

Jean Paul Capdeville said:

merci David de nous faire connaitre cette spécificité de ton pays
17 months ago ( translate )