My Yorkshire: Kitty North

Painter Kitty North lives near Skipton with her husband, Roger Tempest. Her work is included in many public and private collections, including the Duke of Devonshire and Merrill Lynch.

What is your first Yorkshire memory?

I have known my Yorkshire husband, Roger, since I was 15. Before we were married, there was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing between my home, at Newton, near Kirkby Lonsdale, and Skipton, where Roger lived. The A65 through Ingleton, passes through Clapham and Settle and Coniston. I cannot count the number of times we have taken this route in 30 years. The journey used to take about 35 minutes and now it can take over an hour. There is more traffic and speed cameras. I could see Ingleborough from my bedroom window in Lancashire and can still see the mountain now from the hill behind our home near Skipton.

What is your favourite part of the county and why?

The Wharfe Valley from Bolton Abbey to Arncliffe. The dramatic beauty of this stretch is very typical of the Dales.

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Which Yorkshire person past or present, would you like to have dinner with?

David Hockney; I have met him but never to talk to properly. There are so many things I would like to ask him about his art. He has done a great deal in his life.

What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity?

The natural landscape, combined with the man-made elements and, of course, the people.

Who is the Yorkshire person you most admire?

The explorer, Captain James Cook. As Sir Bernard Ingham said: "He peacefully changed the world more than any man

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in history". He set new standards of seamanship and navigation as well as looking after his men – he must have been a great leader. He also had quite a sense of humour.

If a stranger to Yorkshire had time to only visit one place, where would you recommend?

The Dales is a unique place – it has something for everyone. There is extraordinary natural and man-made beauty from the gardens of the Dales to its mountains. There is also an abundance of awe-inspiring historic houses, museums and places that are just beautiful to be in. Harewood and its Long Gallery, Bolton Abbey and Richmond in particular. And, of course, there are some of the country's best pubs and restaurants too (there are six Michelin stars in Yorkshire).

Do you have a favourite drive?

It starts at Bolton Abbey, goes past the Priory along the B6160, past Barden Tower on to Burnsall, goes right over the bridge through Appletreewick, turns right to Skyreholme and then left to Storriths Road and eventually back onto the A59. The road is well known for the sight of bluebells among the oak wood.

What about Yorkshire's cultural life?

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Yorkshire is probably the biggest cultural centre outside London with exceptional museums, galleries, historic houses and churches. Harewood House, Burton Agnes, York Minster, Fountains Abbey, Leeds Art Gallery and six very good museums in Hull. There are many extraordinary people who inspire and continue to contribute to the arts and culture of the region – Lord and Lady Harewood, Peter Murray from the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Diane Howse, who founded The Terrace Gallery at Harewood House and Project Space Leeds, and the Silvers at Salts Mill in Saltaire.

Do you follow sport in the county, and if so, what?

In the summer, I listen to cricket often all day in my studio or in the car when I'm out painting. I also like football and thought The Damned United was a good film, though I am afraid my team is not Leeds.

Name your favourite Yorkshire book.

Clichd as it may sound, Wuthering Heights fascinates me. It is an extraordinary book that crosses generations. It is visual with extreme emotional depth – Emily Bront must have spent time looking and thinking of the lives of the people buried in the graveyard at The Parsonage at Haworth.

If you had to name your Yorkshire "hidden gem", what would it be?

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Broughton Hall Business Park on the Broughton Estate where we live. It is a wonderful location and I have seen acorns grow into oak trees from

Jeremy Benn Associates to Peel and Silver Cross.

Do you have a favourite restaurant or pub?

The Falcon at Arncliffe – it has the perfect location surrounded by beautiful landscape and the Wharfe. Charles Kingsley lived in Arncliffe and is alleged to have written the Water Babies here. Robin Miller, the landlord, is a Yorkshireman.

What's your idea of a perfect day out in Yorkshire?

A long walk in the landscape stopping at a pub or taking a picnic at one of the above named places with Roger. I am lucky enough to spend a lot of time out painting in beautiful places but often on my own. It is a treat to be in the most beautiful place with someone you love.

Do you have a favourite food shop?

Skipton market – Jack on the fruit and veg stall, Russell and Jean are on the flower stall and the Priestley family sell cheese. George Wilson is in the fish van. They all sell a first-class product and, come rain or shine, they are at the market and smiling.

Kitty North is exhibiting a changing range of paintings at the Brasserie and Bar at the Devonshire Arms near Bolton Abbey.

www.kittynorth.com

YP MAG 26/6/10