Red House

According Tom Scott Burns, Red House formerly served as a tavern for wayfarers traversing the moors, likely vying with The Lettered Board Inn, or Hamer House, where those in the business of panniers, colliers, and smugglers sought reprieve during their journey¹Burns, Tom Scott. “Round and About The North Yorkshire Moors: A Glimpse of the Past”. Page 132. M.T.D. Rigg Publications. Reprinted 1989..

Red House, like Hamer House, fell into ruins over the ages. While the stones of the latter have all but vanished, no doubt salvaged, Red House has found renewal as a contemporary art installation.

It is one of a collection of barns interconnected by a circular route named the “Hanging Stones Walk,” commencing in Rosedale Abbey. The intent is to forge a living and experiential masterpiece, utilising existing dilapidated barns strewn across Northdale.

These old farm buildings have been granted a renewed life, with the original stones repurposed whenever feasible. Their construction harmonises with their initial function and the adjacent terrain, imparting a sense of perpetual belonging. Each barn is locked and one must reserve a key in advance. The complete walk is quite considerable, particularly when fields and paths are saturated and mired.

Dimly lit, each barn holds scant illumination, fostering anticipation as you step into the obscurity, the artwork gradually unveiling itself as your eyes acclimate to the meagre light.

I found the unfolding revelation integral to the experience, hence I’ll avoid posting images of each installation — too many spoilers. In any case, photography proved challenging in the poor light. However, I will say that both of us were genuinely amazed.

The artist behind this endeavour is the esteemed sculptor Andrew Goldsworthy, renowned for his awe-inspiring land art scattered across both rural landscapes. The work was sponsored by the Ross Foundation, a body championing initiatives in the realms of art, community, sport, music, and education—a commendable undertaking. Yet, I am uneasy, understanding that this organisation has, or had, affiliations with the grouse shooting industry.

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  Burns, Tom Scott. “Round and About The North Yorkshire Moors: A Glimpse of the Past”. Page 132. M.T.D. Rigg Publications. Reprinted 1989.