A commissioned piece of work by Chris Crofts, a member of The Wool Clip, has been incorporated into the reception desk of The Ro Hotel in Bowness-in-Windermere. The large tufted rug has been incorporated into the reception desk of the recently refurbished hotel.

The Ro opened at the beginning of July and represents a multi-million pound transformation of the Victorian building that was previously The Hydro Hotel. Overlooking Windermere and with an emphasis on local hospitality and a relaxed welcome, The Ro aims to cater for both locals and visitors alike.

Chris was commissioned back in November 2020 after Andy McClusky of APM Design Limited got in touch. The brief was for a woollen piece to fit within a stone surround to create a unique reception desk.

"The design brief was for rounded hills, but abstract and using the natural shades of Herdwick wool," says Chris, "and I submitted three design options. Once agreed, the tufting itself wasn't too challenging and that was completed in March and April but the relief carving that followed took a lot of concentration, care and time. The lighting within the desk shows the carving off really well and I am very pleased with the final result. Feedback has been really encouraging since The Ro opened to guests and the reception desk is also featured on the hotel's new website!"

A range of Chris's work is available at The Wool Clip in Priest's Mill, Caldbeck. The shop is open Tuesday to Sunday each week, 11.00am to 4pm.