Probably the worlds smallest gallery reopens

There's a new exhibition featuring life at Ribblehead during the construction of the Settle to Carlisle Railway.

Settle's own Gallery on the Green, probably the world's smallest art gallery, is open again after the winter closure and what an exhibition we have for this spring. Local artist Teresa Gordon teams up with historian Sarah Lister to tell the story of the folks who built the Ribblehead Viaduct. A must for all those railway buffs: you travelled the line now hear story of the folks who made your journey possible.

‘Ribblehead Tales’, the focus is several miles up the Settle to Carlisle Railway line to Ribblehead.  Sarah’s new research gives a fascinating insight into life at the Ribblehead shanty towns during the building of the Settle to Carlisle Railway and a glimpse into the tiny churchyard at Chapel-le-Dale, the final resting place of 75 navvies and many other family members.

The navvies were a colourful and often naughty bunch but provide some heart-warming and often hilarious stories. Teresa’s poignant, clever and witty illustrations ensure you will enjoy an alternative perspective of life at Ribblehead.

Teresa and Sarah first exhibited at the gallery in 2021 with a show based on Sarah’s research into the lives of those buried in Settle Graveyard. They featured some of the ‘underdogs’ of Settle, the characters that tend to be forgotten by the history books.

Teresa and Sarah both left careers in education to retire to Settle.  They have each fallen in love with the town, its heritage and its people and have found new full time hobbies.  Sarah continues her research and delivers numerous talks and graveyard trails to raise money for local charities.   Teresa is expanding her repertoire and portfolio by working for a number of local groups.

The exhibition is on from 15 April – 14 July 2023.

For more about the project google ‘Settle Graveyard Project,  visit ‘Settle Graveyard Project’ Facebook page, or email settleresearch@gmail.com. See some of the research findings on dalescommunityarchives.org.uk.