I'm very pleased to announce the completion of my latest painting of this beautiful Herdwick sheep. I decided to paint a Herdwick again after one was commissioned in the past, which brought these lovely sheep to my attention. Whilst doing my research on the breed, looking at videos and photos for reference, I fell in love with them - they're just so cute and special. I would love to see them close up in person! Herdwick sheep of the Lake District are so kind and gentle natured. I feel so enamoured by this wonderful creature, and I hope this feeling is passed to you through my painting.
Herdwick sheep have been in and around the Lake District for centuries. Their ancestors go back to the first known domestication of sheep- about 10,000 years ago- when sheep from Southwest Asia migrated to Europe. Genetic analysis has shown that the Herdwick descends from the Northern Pin Tail group of sheep that were possibly introduced to Britain around 5,500 years ago.
The name “Herdwyck” is recorded in documents dating back to the 6th century and comes from Old Norse- the language of the Vikings- meaning “sheep pasture”. Local myth connects the Herdwick to the Vikings, whose invasions and presence in Cumbria influenced the culture and language of the Lake District in the 9th century. It is possible that they also introduced sheep and brought with them their own farming practices.
