An extraordinary photographic exhibition documenting the stories of 40 Cumbrian farmers comes to The Beacon Musuem. In March 2020, British Life Photographer of the Year, and Cumbrian farmer, 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, veteran damson grower Harley Trotter and ‘king of the Herdwicks’ Anthony Hartley. The book has evolved into the Forty Farms Exhibition, offering 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. Please note we are closed on 7 and 14 July, and that our opening hours on 6 and 13 July are 11am – 4pm.