I have just returned from a beautiful circular 'X84' walk from Bramhope and through the grounds of Harewood House. A glorious sunny day with panoramic views of Wharfedale on the return leg. This has prompted me to write a few words as to why I as an artist live in Headingley.
Apart from friendships developed over more than 30 years, one very important reason is the easy access to the things that are important to me. Its close proximity to all the excellent cultural events in Leeds itself and beyond (Yorkshire Sculpture Park and the Hepworth in Wakefield, to name but two) and the amazing countryside to the north. It’s easy to walk or cycle into Leeds City centre, in fact the quickest way for me is via woodland paths, ginnels and parks, without once walking along the busy traffic routes in to town. There are also footpaths through parkland and woodland that take you right into the heart of the countryside north of Leeds. Ten minutes on my bike and again I'm surrounded by beautiful open Yorkshire landscape.
Headingley is also a thriving community in its own right with all amenities close at hand. It has a heart and a hub, a lively centre and a mixed vibrant identity of its own.
I went to Leeds College of Art at the beginning of the 60s, which was an amazing place to be at that time, and apart from a period of about 10 years when I lived and taught in London, I've always been based in Headingley. We are now ‘downsizing’ and moving from our beautiful large Victorian house and garden, but we are not moving out of Headingley which we love dearly!
Judy Cain
Artist
Want to know more? You can access Judy's blog and view her artwork using the links below;
thackeraygallery.com/judith-cain
judith-cain.blogspot.co.uk
axisweb.org/p/judycain
