A BOUTIQUE hotel in North Yorkshire has joined forces with an award-winning artist in a special project to celebrate the beauty of the Dales.

The Wensleydale Heifer in West Witton, near Leyburn, has worked alongside Richmond-based Lucy Pittaway on an exclusive commission called 'The Heart of Wensleydale.

The piece features the rolling hills of the area around West Witton with the Heifer nestling at its centre.

The original will take pride of place in the Heifer’s restaurant, joining a carefully curated collection of Lucy’s work which is already featured there and in its 13 themed luxury bedrooms.

Read more: Man critical in hospital after collapsing while walking his dog in Darlington park

The Heart of Wensleydale was commissioned by father and son team Lewis and David Moss who wanted to mark their 17th anniversary of owning the Wensleydale Heifer.

The artwork was unveiled at a special event held at The Wensleydale Heifer this week and marks the latest special collaboration between the hotel and Lucy.

She also previously created an original piece which was presented to Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal when she visited the Heifer for a charity dinner.

Heifer Owner David Moss said: “We have been working closely with Lucy for several years and we’re delighted to have done so once again on this project.

"We wanted to work with the area’s leading artist to create a piece which truly celebrated the beauty of Wensleydale and the Yorkshire Dales, and shows how proud we are to be at that heart of that community.

“We’re huge fans of Lucy’s work and we are delighted that through this piece we are going to be able to further share her talents with the thousands of people who visit our hotel and restaurant every month, often from all over the world.

“We’re honoured to be able to share our love of her work with our guests.”

Lucy has been recognised by the Fine Art Trade Guild, naming her the 'UK's Best Up and Coming Artist Of The Year' in 2016, followed by the accolade of the 'UK's Most Popular Published Artist' award in 2018, 2019 and 2022.

She said: “I was so thrilled to undertake this commission as I, and my family, love the Wensleydale Heifer and have been coming here for many, many years.

"We’ve celebrated significant family events and news here, and I’ve always understood the important role it plays in the Wensleydale community. It’s a really special place.

“The painting is a celebration of both the Heifer and also of the love people have for the Dales and their time spent in this wonderful part of the world.”

Guests and visitors at the Heifer will be able to buy mounted prints of The Heart of Wensleydale in person at the hotel.

It will also be available for sale via Lucy’s website. Everyone purchasing a print of The Heart of Wensleydale will receive a free £10 voucher for use at The Wensleydale Heifer.

Read more stories:

Take advantage of our Black Friday offer and save 25% on all new Premium Plus subscriptions with the code BLACKFRIDAY. Find out more here.