Lake District

Forster captures the imposing scale of the Lake District in this work of a valley walk.  The scene is set in an early morning fell walk, where the claustrophobia of the steep valley is contrasted with the promise of open views ahead.  The palette is beautifully restrained in this work; subtle variations of forest green lead the eye gently down to a strong peach hue that cuts across the picture plain, reminding the viewer of the energy and demanding nature of this landscape.  This is Wordsworth country; the idyllic stream and dew-wet grass, reminiscent of his lines ‘One calm September morning, ere the mist, had altogether yielded to the sun, Sauntered on this retired and difficult way.’

Forster comments that ‘this painting represents the very opposite to highlands in that it depicts a very different British mountain-scape. The difference in the Lakeland fells and the highland mountains is not just a matter of scale; the lakes are a more cultivated; more inhabited landscape. For me this painting is about a journey it is the promise of a day’s walk in the hills, an early start climbing out through a valley to the high fells beyond. It has a suggestion of the early morning sun glistening on the dew.  The walker has a spring in their step, and a landscape that can be privately enjoyed and discovered.  It is about leaving the steep valley floor with its restricted views, and moving on and up to more elevated peaks.

The Lake District is one of England’s best-loved destinations, and its largest national park, containing a varying landscape of lakes and fells.  The children’s author, Beatrix Potter, established the Lakes as her home, and still proves today to be a major tourist attraction by means of a museum in Bowness-on-Windermere.  The famous walker and writer, Alfred Wainwright, explored the Lakes in fine detail, and established a famous walk across England; beginning in Cumbria, travelling the full width of the Lake District, before culminating on the North Yorkshire coastline at Robin Hood’s Bay.  Dove Cottage is the setting for all things William Wordsworth, and is another popular magnet in the Lakes.  The Langdale, situated near to Ambleside, provides restful release in the form of a wonderfully unique spa and hotel experience in the heart of the Lakes.