The making of a 'Well dressing'

Well dressing is a tradition practised in parts of rural England in which wooden frames are constructed and covered with clay, mixed with water and salt. A design is sketched on paper, and this is traced onto the clay. The picture is then filled in by pressing natural materials, predominantly flower petals - mosses - beans, seeds and small cones onto the clay. Here a well dressing is being put together by locals of 'Great Hucklow' When completed the two pieces will be fixed together and placed upright at a nearby well, spring or some other source of water.