Forty Farms

From 25 May 2024 to 2 March 2025

New for 2024, our annual exhibition in the William Bone Building presents the captivating photography of British Life Photographer of the Year, and Cumbrian farmer Amy Bateman.

Forty Farms offers a unique insight into the everyday lives, fears and hopes of 40 extraordinary farmers through photography, products, film and words to create an immersive experience.

Over a year, Amy captured the lives and stories of a wide variety of people farming in this breathtaking landscape. From isolated farmsteads unchanged over generations to businesses at the cutting-edge of innovation; from worldclass sheep-breeders to award-winning cheese-makers, Forty Farms is a visual record of farming at a moment of profound change.

The exhibition will also feature delicious tasters on offer in the museum’s adjoining demonstration kitchen, inspired by the stories told through the exhibition. Amy Bateman’s award-winning book and prints will be available to purchase in our shop.

Forty Farms is a touring exhibition that comes to East Anglia from the South Lakes. It opens on Saturday 25th May 2024 and runs until 2 March 2025.

Included in museum entry

Photos by Amy Bateman