Furness Tradition presents
At Home in the Steep Places:
the story of Bill Peascod
A Feature Length Film about Cumbrian Born Miner, Climber and Artist Bill Peascod
7.30 pm Friday 4 February 2022
At the Laurel & Hardy Museum, Brogden Street, Ulverston
Live Music Set with Mike Willoughby’s Raving Rock
Q&A/Discussion with presenter and film maker Steve Wharton
A feature-length documentary film about Maryport-born miner, rock climber and artist Bill Peascod (1920-1985) made in Cumbria, New South Wales and Kyoto in 2021 by 28 Dales Later. Directed by Steve Wharton and Perrin Walker.
The film charts Bill’s life from a challenging childhood in the Cumberland coalfields and involvement in the Mines Rescue Teams at the Lowca No.10 and William Pit disasters to his pioneering of new rock climbing routes in 1940s Buttermere. This was at a time when rock climbing was primarily a rich person’s hobby.
. He became an abstract landscape painter after emigrating to Australia in 1952 where he developed ‘burnt’ paintings. He returned to Cumbria in 1980 and drew on Japanese influences to paint his beloved fells, which he had resumed climbing with new friends such as Bill Birkett, Sir Chris Bonington and Don Whillans.
Filmed in England, Australia and Japan, the film is presented by Steve Wharton, Natalie Wilson and Perrin Walker. It features interviews with people who knew Bill, climbing and art specialists, rare archive material, photographs by the Abraham Brothers and a soundtrack by Cumbrian and Australian musicians, including Mike Willoughby and Dave Camlin.
Admission £10
Buy Your Tickets Now
Or purchase from the Laurel & Hardy Museum
Proceeds in support of Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team
7.30 pm. Mike Willoughby’s Raving Rock
Raving Rock are so named because they rave about rock; proper solid rhyolite that you can grip and pull yourself up on. Mike’s music features throughout the soundtrack of the film. This short set will feature new songs about the rock climbing experience: what it means to be alive on a rock face!
Mike Willoughby’s Raving Rock consists of Mike on electric guitar, Rick Middleton on bass guitar and Iain Hunter on drums.
8.00 pm. At Home In The Steep Places
The Film runs for 91 mins.
9.45 pm. Q&A/Discussion with film Director and Presenter Steve Wharton.
