I had the pleasure of traveling in England on a "Cheese Journey's" cheddar tour through Somerset, early April of 2019. Along the way, this flat topped pyramid of raw goats milk cheese was picked up at Neals Yard Dairy, in London. Sadly this will be the only chance for me to taste this cheese or any by the iconic pioneer cheesemaker, Mary Holbrook. Mary passed away just a couple months prior, at the age of 80. She left behind a few batches and a huge legacy that will hopefully live on some how, beyond a memory of her 40 years of cheesemaking. She is considered one of the most respected and loved cheesemakers in the world and definitely one of the very best in the UK. She made her remarkable goat cheeses at Sleight Farm, near Bath.

I consider all my cheese portraits an homage to the cheese and makers and this rare opportunity became one of a memorial of sorts, for someone I never had the pleasure to meet. I've been fortunate to meet a lot of wonderful and important cheesemakers in the UK, but the more I read about Mary Holbrook, the more sad I am I never had that honor. I painted this beautiful, ephemeral monument thinking of her and her impact on the cheese world. The colors are as true as possible, including the white wax paper it was wrapped in and the Neals Yard Dairy blue off in the background.

Thanks to NYD and Lydia, for responding to my questions and offering their favorite method of cutting such a pyramid. I am savoring every bite of this cheese.

Country of Origin: England, UK

Availability: sold