New exhibition explores Yorkshire's traditional craftspeople - from thatchers and potters to blacksmiths and weavers

Documentary photographer Rachel Rimell set out to capture the care and attention of hand-worked techniques.

The exhibition, at Ryedale Folk Museum, explores the beauty of the region's heritage crafts and how such skills in the 21st century still play a part in Yorkshire's rural economy.

Ms Rimell, who has also created a series of short films as part of the project, worked to capture the finer details that modern machines cannot always replicate.

She said: "I wanted to shine a light on these crafts and skills that rely on deep knowledge and understanding of traditions, as well as a pride in workmanship.

"In many cases, they’re united in the fact that they reach back centuries, often relying on the land and natural materials.

"Many people just don’t realise that these skills are still a vital part of the rural economy.”

Ms Rimell is an award-winning visual and photographic artist, now based in North Yorkshire.

A photographer and photo-journalist by training with over 25 years’ experience, she has photographed all walks of life from the Royal Family to sheep farmers.

Turning her attention to the "extraordinary" people keeping a range of traditional crafts alive, she met with a ceramicist and a thatcher, a blacksmith and a weaver.

The goal was to uncover the lives and talents of those using techniques handed down through the generations, and how they are revitalising them for a modern age.

"These roles are so important yet often overlooked," she said. "Taken together, they continue the cultural heritage of Ryedale crafts using traditional skills and contributing to a strong rural economy.

"I believe that from ‘The Handworkers’ we get a really good sense of Ryedale as a great place to live, work and visit," she added. "There’s a really strong connection to the area’s heritage. I think the photos highlight that, and those skills."

The Handworkers runs until April 30, and entry to the museum is free. The series was made possible with support from Ryedale District Council.

Rosie Barrett, events coordinator, said the exhibition was "beautiful".

“At the museum, we share the stories of the ordinary people of the region, and this often includes sharing the jobs that they have done over the centuries," she said.

"We view these stories from the present-day, documented by Rachel, as an important part of the history and heritage of the region. It’s wonderful to see such highly-skilled craft forms and industries alive in the region, and the thriving creativity and skill.”