Exmoor’s Literary Links

Poetry Box exhib2

The landscape and wildlife of Exmoor has long been an inspiration to writers, poets and artists. From the Romantic Poets who “discovered” the drama of the Exmoor Landscape in the late 18th century to the modern day when the “Poetry Box” project produced “Over 5,000 poems harvested from passersby.” (plus three marriage proposals!).  Some choose to weave Exmoor directly into their stories (think Lorna Doone) whilst others found their imagination set free by the locality (Coleridge conceived Kubla Khan whilst staying near Culbone). So here’s a view into the few of the many literary greats inspired by the drama of Exmoor.

Continue reading

View From….An Exmoor Artist

Jo Down_print2

Recent visitors to Exmoor National Park’s HQ, Exmoor House, may have noticed a series of Exmoor-centric paintings which we had on temporary loan from local artist Jo Minoprio (Moorland Art). They will now be available to view as part of the “EXMOOR TO THE SEA” exhibition at Landacre Gallery, starting this Saturday (23rd), running until Sunday 8th October between 11am and 6pm. In preparation for the opening, we decided to get a view from Jo as to what inspires her art.

Continue reading

“The Walker” Unveiled

Walker and Craven 1

Last week saw the unveiling by BBC Countryfile’s John Craven of a new statue on The Esplanade in Lynmouth. Called “The Walker”, the statue was commissioned to mark the end of the Coleridge Way, as well as pinpointing the closing stage of the Two Moors Way. And the Exmoor weather played its part too, basking everyone in glorious sunshine.

Continue reading

New Open Air Theatre in Valley of Rocks

PleasureDome_Macbeth

We’re delighted to host this article by self-confessed Exmoorphile Helena Payne on Midsummer’s Day about the new Pleasure Dome Theatre at the Valley of Rocks. Launching this summer with Macbeth (2nd – 20th August), Helena gives us an insight into her childhood dream to bring open-air theatre to Exmoor.

Continue reading