AS FAR as exhibitions go they don’t come much bigger and bolder in the textile world than the next one under the revered roof of Farfield Mill.

Farfield Mill Arts and Heritage Centre is the only venue in the UK staging an absolutely stunning exhibition that showcases the work of 53 members of Dutch felting outfit Viltkontaktgroep, a 500-strong group which is celebrating its 21st anniversary.

Running until April 21, the prestigious show was opened by the highly respected Mary Burkett OBE, president of the International Feltmakers Association and one of the arts world’s finest ambassors.

A midwinter feast of creativity, colour and inspiration, the entire arts centre is decked out in all things felt, from functional objects to fashion items to works of art - pots, hats, wall-hangings, jewellery, jackets, toys, cushions and not least exotic ball-gowns – illustrating beautifully all types of felting techniques and what can be achieved by them.

Workshops from beginners to experienced felters accompany the exhibition led by Farfield’s resident fibre artist Chrissie Day and Charity Van de Meer, both internationally renowned tutors and authors. Charity’s workshops offer the opportunity to make a unique waistcoat, creating structure and layers using silk fabric and fine wools – and no sewing.

Exciting, conceptual, inspiring and innovative - just some of the adjectives that describe but do not encapsulate what is arguably the felting exhibition of the year.

The exhibition comes to Sedbergh direct from Holland and will return at the end of its Farfield run; a one-off opportunity to see a such a remarkable array of work in our green and pleasant land.

Farfield is open 10.30am-4.30pm.

Telephone 015396-21958.