ALL CHURNED UP TO ORDER
ALL CHURNED UP TO ORDER
ART has caught up with the humble milk churn.
Time was when they were a familiar sight at the farm gate, waiting to be collected. But progress overtook them and they became just another agricultural curiosity from the past.
But attend farm auctions today and youll find keen bidding for old churns. They can fetch up to £30 each and prices are rising.
Diane Green is a craftswoman who is helping to create the demand. She practises the 18th century art of decoupage. Put simply it involves cutting out shapes and patterns and sticking them on the churn in an artistic composition. The flowers pictured came from gift wrapping paper.
Finally she clear varnishes, at least 15 coats.
Diane, of Hebden, near Skipton, says the churns can be used as planters or attractive umbrella stands.
She applies her skills to a range of other metalware, trunks, buckets and watering cans, and attends all the agricultural and country shows in Yorkshire.
Her raw material comes from auctions, sales, even skips, she says. If you would like a milk churn in the hall, for old times sake, she is on (01756-752151).
Tom Montgomery