A new wrestling exhibition is coming to Egremont this autumn.
Wrestle, opening in September at Florence Arts Centre, will explore the heritage and culture of Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, a Cumbrian sport with Viking origins, through art, photography, and community stories.
Running from September 7 to November 2, the exhibition will feature original artwork by Janet Moss, a Cumbrian artist, and contemporary photography by Chris Routledge.
There will also be a range of heritage objects, costumes, and archive photos curated with support from the Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling Association.
A community embroidery project, co-created with Fabricate textile artists, will also be on display.
Sue Mackay, director at Florence Arts Centre, said: "This has been a lovely project to work on.
"It's great to see new art about ancient traditions.
"I hope it will interest lots of local people.
"They have already been involved by sharing wrestling stories and photos, working with the Crab Fair, embroidering motifs for a replica costume … and I can’t wait to host wrestling at Florence.
"We hope it’ll inspire young people to take up the sport."
Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling is a traditional 'backhold' style of wrestling dating back to Viking times, with deep cultural connections to farming and heavy industry in the region.
Historically, men would wrestle after work in long-john underwear, and the sport has always been a family affair.
Wrestlers wear distinctive velvet centrepieces embroidered with nature-inspired designs.
Today, the sport is practised by men, women, and children across Cumbria and remains a highlight of country fairs and village sports events.
Ms Moss, artist, said: "I have always been fascinated by the wrestling at local sports and fairs.
"I began painting wrestlers to explore the extraordinary positions they get into as they wrestle.
"My abstracted paintings express the movement against the landscape setting of the outdoor ring."
Mr Routledge, photographer, said: "Janet and I attended several indoor wrestling practice nights over the winter and were struck by how friendly and welcoming everyone was.
"Photographing the wrestlers with the specialised cameras and film that I use was a challenge, but I’m looking forward to seeing the results on the wall at the Florence."
Ms Moss and Mr Routledge will continue to create new work throughout the summer as they follow events, competitions, and world championships in the North West, leading up to the Egremont Crab Fair in September.
The exhibition will be open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with a programme of related events including wrestling displays, taster sessions, family activities, artist meet-and-greets, and creative workshops.
More information is available at florenceartscentre.com/events or by following @florencearts on Facebook.
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