- Published on
Masham is a good place for wandering. Paths lead out of the market square towards the river, fields and woodland, and it doesn’t take long to leave the town behind.
But if you walk slowly and look carefully, you’ll also notice small creative surprises along the way. Pieces of art that sit quietly in the landscape and become part of the experience of walking here.
The Oak Leaf Sculptures
Along the riverside paths and green spaces around Masham you may come across a series of carved oak leaves set into the landscape.
They feel almost as though they have fallen from some enormous tree. Made from solid timber, they weather gently and settle into the grass around them.
Children climb on them, walkers pause beside them, and over time they have become part of the town itself — sculpture that simply lives outdoors.
The Swift Sculpture Trail
Masham is also home to the Swift Sculpture Trail, a series of small artworks that celebrate the swifts that return here each summer.
Once you start looking for them you begin to notice more than the sculptures. The sudden high calls of swifts overhead on warm evenings, the speed of their flight, the way they circle above the rooftops.
If you step into the church, you can also see the real birds at work. At the back of the church there is a video screen showing a live feed from the swifts’ nests in the church tower — a small window into a hidden part of Masham’s summer life.
Art, in this case, simply helps us pay attention.
Art in the Landscape
Sometimes the creativity in the landscape becomes something you can take part in.
At Happy House in Masham we run an experience with artist Ian Scott Massie called Art in the Landscape. Small groups head out walking through the town and nearby paths, gathering natural materials along the way — leaves, stones, sticks and whatever the season offers.
Together these become temporary sculptures and small artworks, made quietly in the landscape and left to return to nature.
It’s a gentle way of looking at a familiar place differently.
But if you walk slowly and look carefully, you’ll also notice small creative surprises along the way. Pieces of art that sit quietly in the landscape and become part of the experience of walking here.
The Oak Leaf Sculptures
Along the riverside paths and green spaces around Masham you may come across a series of carved oak leaves set into the landscape.
They feel almost as though they have fallen from some enormous tree. Made from solid timber, they weather gently and settle into the grass around them.
Children climb on them, walkers pause beside them, and over time they have become part of the town itself — sculpture that simply lives outdoors.
The Swift Sculpture Trail
Masham is also home to the Swift Sculpture Trail, a series of small artworks that celebrate the swifts that return here each summer.
Once you start looking for them you begin to notice more than the sculptures. The sudden high calls of swifts overhead on warm evenings, the speed of their flight, the way they circle above the rooftops.
If you step into the church, you can also see the real birds at work. At the back of the church there is a video screen showing a live feed from the swifts’ nests in the church tower — a small window into a hidden part of Masham’s summer life.
Art, in this case, simply helps us pay attention.
Art in the Landscape
Sometimes the creativity in the landscape becomes something you can take part in.
At Happy House in Masham we run an experience with artist Ian Scott Massie called Art in the Landscape. Small groups head out walking through the town and nearby paths, gathering natural materials along the way — leaves, stones, sticks and whatever the season offers.
Together these become temporary sculptures and small artworks, made quietly in the landscape and left to return to nature.
It’s a gentle way of looking at a familiar place differently.
Walking with curiosity
What I like about these small creative moments is that they don’t feel like attractions. They’re not something to queue for or tick off a list.
Instead they encourage a different kind of walking. A sculpture half hidden in grass. A bird you might otherwise overlook. The way the town slowly opens out into fields and river.
Masham has always had a creative spirit. Sometimes it appears in galleries and studios. Sometimes it turns up quietly outdoors, waiting to be discovered on an ordinary walk.
All you really need to do is set off and see what you find. However if you want a map for these trails it can be found at Masham Community Office.
What I like about these small creative moments is that they don’t feel like attractions. They’re not something to queue for or tick off a list.
Instead they encourage a different kind of walking. A sculpture half hidden in grass. A bird you might otherwise overlook. The way the town slowly opens out into fields and river.
Masham has always had a creative spirit. Sometimes it appears in galleries and studios. Sometimes it turns up quietly outdoors, waiting to be discovered on an ordinary walk.
All you really need to do is set off and see what you find. However if you want a map for these trails it can be found at Masham Community Office.
- Published on
Masham is a small market town in the Yorkshire Dales with an extraordinary concentration of makers, artists and creative spaces.
One of the pleasures of living and working in Masham is being surrounded by people who are making things.
Not in an abstract way, but in the everyday sense. Cooking, drawing, blowing glass, curating shops, running galleries. You see each other in the square, talk about the weather, borrow tools, and realise that what everyone is doing helps shape the place you share.
For visitors, it also means that a short walk around the town reveals an extraordinary concentration of creativity.
One of the pleasures of living and working in Masham is being surrounded by people who are making things.
Not in an abstract way, but in the everyday sense. Cooking, drawing, blowing glass, curating shops, running galleries. You see each other in the square, talk about the weather, borrow tools, and realise that what everyone is doing helps shape the place you share.
For visitors, it also means that a short walk around the town reveals an extraordinary concentration of creativity.
Perhaps that’s the real gift of a place like Masham.
Creativity isn’t something distant or rare here. It is simply part of the everyday landscape. The gallery is one small part of that wider web, one door among many where people are making, imagining and sharing their work with the world. If you spend a little time wandering Masham, you will soon find them.
Creativity isn’t something distant or rare here. It is simply part of the everyday landscape. The gallery is one small part of that wider web, one door among many where people are making, imagining and sharing their work with the world. If you spend a little time wandering Masham, you will soon find them.
- Published on
Masham has long been a place that nurtures imagination — a town where artistry and eccentricity walk hand in hand. Now, with the launch of the Masham Blue Plaque Trail, we’re shining a light on thirteen of the town’s most creative and characterful legends, each one helping to shape Masham’s rich cultural story.
Amongst them you’ll find painters, an illustrator, a musician, a film director and an actor, all commemorated on Masham’s streets. We’ve also included four of Masham’s much-loved local characters from the past, whose stories still bring a smile to those who remember them, and even a wildcard — a fittingly peculiar addition that perfectly captures the playful spirit of the trail itself.
While we can’t include everyone just yet, these thirteen plaques mark a vibrant beginning — a celebration of the creativity, individuality, and community spirit that continue to define Masham today. Follow the trail, and you’ll discover not just history, but the heartbeat of Masham’s creative ancestry. Maps are available from Masham Gallery and Masham Community Office as well as other places around town. You can see the interactive map here https://visitmasham.com/discover-masham/our-peculier-town/peculier-walks-tours/
Amongst them you’ll find painters, an illustrator, a musician, a film director and an actor, all commemorated on Masham’s streets. We’ve also included four of Masham’s much-loved local characters from the past, whose stories still bring a smile to those who remember them, and even a wildcard — a fittingly peculiar addition that perfectly captures the playful spirit of the trail itself.
While we can’t include everyone just yet, these thirteen plaques mark a vibrant beginning — a celebration of the creativity, individuality, and community spirit that continue to define Masham today. Follow the trail, and you’ll discover not just history, but the heartbeat of Masham’s creative ancestry. Maps are available from Masham Gallery and Masham Community Office as well as other places around town. You can see the interactive map here https://visitmasham.com/discover-masham/our-peculier-town/peculier-walks-tours/
- Published on
Sometimes, when you’ve lived in a place for as long as I have, it’s easy to forget the rich history right beneath your feet. Masham, an ancient town with around a thousand residents, is brimming with historical significance. Walk through the streets, and you’ll quickly spot remnants of its past—like the Saxon Cross or the 12th c Market Cross. But what’s perhaps less obvious is the creative, artistic history that runs deep in this small corner of the world.
For a town of its size, Masham has attracted—and continues to inspire—a remarkable amount of creativity. From renowned artists to hidden artistic gems, Masham has been a muse for many. Taking a virtual stroll through the town we can uncover some of its artistic treasures.
For a town of its size, Masham has attracted—and continues to inspire—a remarkable amount of creativity. From renowned artists to hidden artistic gems, Masham has been a muse for many. Taking a virtual stroll through the town we can uncover some of its artistic treasures.
Nutwith Common, Masham - Reginald Brundritt - image - Tate images.
Reginald Grange Brundrit: A Royal Academy Artist
Start your journey behind The Café on the Square, where you'll find the gallery of Nolan Stacey. But just a little further hidden from view, is a very special artist’s former studio. This studio once belonged to Reginald Grange Brundrit (1883–1960), a distinguished member of the Royal Academy. Brundrit’s works are housed in prestigious collections like the Tate and the Imperial War Museum, yet his studio remains a quiet testament to his legacy in Masham.
Located in the garage of The Old Vicarage, right next to the church, Brundrit’s studio is bathed in light from a glass wall, allowing him to capture the light when painting. A memorial to Brundrit is placed inside St. Mary’s Church, right next to a stunning stained-glass window by Harry Stammers (1902–1969), a renowned artist from York. Today, Brundrit’s easel lives on, as Simon Palmer (1956–), another celebrated artist, now paints on it, inspired by the very landscape that once inspired Brundrit.
Palmer’s own works can be found in collections around the world, but if you’re in Masham, be sure to check out his Remembrance Piece displayed in the Town Hall entrance and a few at Bordar House Teas.
Start your journey behind The Café on the Square, where you'll find the gallery of Nolan Stacey. But just a little further hidden from view, is a very special artist’s former studio. This studio once belonged to Reginald Grange Brundrit (1883–1960), a distinguished member of the Royal Academy. Brundrit’s works are housed in prestigious collections like the Tate and the Imperial War Museum, yet his studio remains a quiet testament to his legacy in Masham.
Located in the garage of The Old Vicarage, right next to the church, Brundrit’s studio is bathed in light from a glass wall, allowing him to capture the light when painting. A memorial to Brundrit is placed inside St. Mary’s Church, right next to a stunning stained-glass window by Harry Stammers (1902–1969), a renowned artist from York. Today, Brundrit’s easel lives on, as Simon Palmer (1956–), another celebrated artist, now paints on it, inspired by the very landscape that once inspired Brundrit.
Palmer’s own works can be found in collections around the world, but if you’re in Masham, be sure to check out his Remembrance Piece displayed in the Town Hall entrance and a few at Bordar House Teas.
Simon Palmer - Photo credit Gary Keat.
George Cuitt - Hackfall. Grosvenor Museum
George Cuitt and the Follies of Masham
Just beyond the school at the top of Millgate, you’ll find the impressive Nutwith House, built by the accomplished artist George Cuitt the Younger (1779–1854). Cuitt was best known for his etchings, many of which depicted ruins and follies—a subject that was in vogue during his time. His fascination with ruins mirrors the work of contemporary figures like William Danby, who constructed the Druid's Temple just outside of Masham, and John Aislabie, responsible for the beautiful follies in Hackfall Woods.
The follies in the area became so famous that they even appeared on a green frog tea set commissioned for Catherine the Great of Russia in 1774. And, of course, it was William Danby who invited Julius Caesar Ibbetson (1759–1817) to Masham in 1804, commissioning him to paint parts of what is now the Swinton Estate. Be sure to visit the church to admire the striking stone monument Danby erected in his memory.
Just beyond the school at the top of Millgate, you’ll find the impressive Nutwith House, built by the accomplished artist George Cuitt the Younger (1779–1854). Cuitt was best known for his etchings, many of which depicted ruins and follies—a subject that was in vogue during his time. His fascination with ruins mirrors the work of contemporary figures like William Danby, who constructed the Druid's Temple just outside of Masham, and John Aislabie, responsible for the beautiful follies in Hackfall Woods.
The follies in the area became so famous that they even appeared on a green frog tea set commissioned for Catherine the Great of Russia in 1774. And, of course, it was William Danby who invited Julius Caesar Ibbetson (1759–1817) to Masham in 1804, commissioning him to paint parts of what is now the Swinton Estate. Be sure to visit the church to admire the striking stone monument Danby erected in his memory.
The Painter's Family At Masham - Ibbetson
Julius Caesar Ibbetson: The Painter with a Complex Name
One of the most intriguing artists associated with Masham is Julius Caesar Ibbetson. While we know him today by his full name, it’s interesting to note that he despised his middle name and did everything he could to hide it during his lifetime. Born in December 1759 via Caesarean section after his mother slipped on ice, Ibbetson was a prominent figure in the art world and one of the many artists who found inspiration in Masham. His works are housed in prestigious collections, including the Tate.
Historians speculate that No. 9 Park Street—the cottage where Ibbetson may have lived—might even be the subject of his painting The Painter’s Family at Masham. He resided in Masham for the rest of his life (dying in 1817) and it’s said to be some of his happiest days.
One of the most intriguing artists associated with Masham is Julius Caesar Ibbetson. While we know him today by his full name, it’s interesting to note that he despised his middle name and did everything he could to hide it during his lifetime. Born in December 1759 via Caesarean section after his mother slipped on ice, Ibbetson was a prominent figure in the art world and one of the many artists who found inspiration in Masham. His works are housed in prestigious collections, including the Tate.
Historians speculate that No. 9 Park Street—the cottage where Ibbetson may have lived—might even be the subject of his painting The Painter’s Family at Masham. He resided in Masham for the rest of his life (dying in 1817) and it’s said to be some of his happiest days.
Joseph William Mallord Turner’s visit
We know that Turner visited the Yorkshire Dales over many years, he travelled around the dales on horseback and did over 1000 sketches in the area. His sketch of Masham is dated 1816 and is in the Tate collection. There’s an online booklet available on his grand tour of the dales here https://issuu.com/welcometoyorkshire/docs/turner_booklet
We know that Turner visited the Yorkshire Dales over many years, he travelled around the dales on horseback and did over 1000 sketches in the area. His sketch of Masham is dated 1816 and is in the Tate collection. There’s an online booklet available on his grand tour of the dales here https://issuu.com/welcometoyorkshire/docs/turner_booklet
2 of Priscilla Warner's illustrations from the early 1970's
Priscilla Warner: The Forgotten Illustrator
Just a short walk along Park Street brings you to Priscilla Warner’s (1905–1994) house. Warner, an accomplished author and illustrator, spent her later years here with her brother. She was also the head of the Art Department at Ripon College and was well known for her commercial illustration work. But what many don’t know is that Warner also created some beautiful, lesser-known paintings—many of which still adorn the walls of Masham today.
Just a short walk along Park Street brings you to Priscilla Warner’s (1905–1994) house. Warner, an accomplished author and illustrator, spent her later years here with her brother. She was also the head of the Art Department at Ripon College and was well known for her commercial illustration work. But what many don’t know is that Warner also created some beautiful, lesser-known paintings—many of which still adorn the walls of Masham today.
Discover Masham’s Artistic Legacy
If you're fascinated by Masham’s artistic heritage and want to dive deeper into its history, you’re in luck. Local artist and history enthusiast Ian Scott Massie offers private tours of the area, sharing his knowledge of Masham’s creative past.
Masham’s rich tapestry of art and creativity is woven through the lives and works of these remarkable individuals. From the Royal Academy to the etchings of the past, the town is a living museum of artistic achievement. So, next time you’re walking here, take a moment to stop and look around. You might just see the inspiration behind the works of some of the most talented artists in history, right here in Masham.
If you're fascinated by Masham’s artistic heritage and want to dive deeper into its history, you’re in luck. Local artist and history enthusiast Ian Scott Massie offers private tours of the area, sharing his knowledge of Masham’s creative past.
Masham’s rich tapestry of art and creativity is woven through the lives and works of these remarkable individuals. From the Royal Academy to the etchings of the past, the town is a living museum of artistic achievement. So, next time you’re walking here, take a moment to stop and look around. You might just see the inspiration behind the works of some of the most talented artists in history, right here in Masham.