A RECONSTRUCTION of an iconic photograph of sheep running through the streets of Kendal has itself been replicated in an artwork made of dyed wool.

The framed art-work was handed over to Kendal Town Council by Mayor Cllr Tom Clare.

“After all, the town council’s motto is ‘Wool is my bread’,” said Councillor Clare, who purchased the work with his annual Mayor’s allowance.

The original image “Kendal rush hour” was taken by legendary photographer Joseph Hardman, probably in 1953. It now belongs to Lakeland Arts Trust, which runs The Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry at Abbot Hall, Kendal.

With their permission, the photograph was used by organisers of Kendal Wool Gathering, which includes an event held at K Village, The Lakes Outlet, since 2013 to celebrate Kendal’s wool heritage.

And last year Kendal Wool Gathering organisers overcame modern legislation to replicate the photograph, this time taken by Kendal’s Helen Isaac from the Town Hall, looking up Allhallows Lane.

Various friends and supporters of the Gathering took the place of bystanders, including Cllr Clare, who can be seen bottom right of the artwork.

Then at last year’s Kendal Wool Gathering Cllr Clare, who opened the event, was introduced to one of the exhibitors, Jill Harrison.

Jill, 59, was originally from Bradford where she studied graphic art at the art college. Ten years ago she moved to Aberdeen with her husband to run a croft.

They keep their own flock of Hebridean sheep and dye the wool before Jill turns the strands into works of art.

Cllr Clare was so impressed with her work that he commissioned her to make an artwork replicating the modern, colour image of the re-run of the photograph.

“When I saw Jill’s work, I thought what an amazing skill and decided to commission her to use it to bring together the three elements: Kendal Town Council’s motto, Kendal Wool Gathering and the re-enactment of the Hardman photograph.

“I am really pleased with the result.”

Jill said: “I was really honoured to be asked to do this. I mainly create portraits and landscapes. This is my first townscape.”

People will be able to form their own opinion of Jill Harrison’s work, with it going on display in Kendal.

Kendal Wool Gathering will also take it to various events, including Country Fest at Westmorland County Show ground on May 30 and 31; at Westmorland County Show on September 10; and this year’s Kendal Wool Gathering on October 24 and 25.