AN exhibition depicting one of the world's most famous television programmes has gone on display in a Dales town.

Farfield Mill Arts and Heritage Centre at Sedbergh is one of only three venues to exhibit the most talked-about textile arts phenomenon in the UK - the Hardhome Embroidery.

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The unique project was commissioned from the Embroiderers’ Guild of Great Britain by the American producers of the award-winning television series Game of Thrones to mark the release of series five on DVD and the launch of series six.

The three-dimensional embroidery, measuring 11ft by 18ft, depicts the mythical figure of the White Walker at the start of the Battle of Hardhome and shows the art of hand embroidery in all its glory.

Given three months to produce it, this is the first time the entire embroidery community across the whole of the UK, ranging from 50 embroiderers’ guilds, the Royal College of Needlework, Hand and Lock and Fine Cell Work (long term prisoners) have collaborated on a project of this nature. It took more than 30,000 hours to complete.

The variety of embroidery skills involved includes digital print, surface stitchery, machine embroidery, metal thread work, beading, appliqué and quilting.

Anne Pierson, director of Farfield Mill, is delighted the arts centre has secured the exhibition though it has not been without its problems. The White Walker figure is a foot taller than the ceilings at Farfield, while how Sedbergh is going to cope with coach loads of guild members and Game of Thrones fans is also an issue.

"It’s a great problem to have though," said Anne. "Particularly as the White Walker will be here during the weekend of Sedbergh’s Sheepfest on the 17 and 18 of September – and this year’s theme happens to be book titles and characters. I am aware that he brings with him dropping temperatures, icy rain and blizzards – but no change there."

The Hardhome Embroidery is at Farfield Mill until Sunday, October 2 with an exhibition of photographs of its design and construction. Following an appearance in London it returns on Wednesday, October 12, closing on Saturday, November 5.