New season of events to start at Ilkley Manor House

“The summer programme saw two main exhibitions,” said Sarah Thomas, chair of the Trust.

“The display in the housebody was to celebrate 50 years of the Dales Way and the upstairs exhibition was another 50th anniversary, Man’s first landing on the Moon.

“ We had over 1000 visitors attending the events and there were lots of great conversations both about experiences of the 60s and watching the Moon landings as well as reminisces of walking the Dales Way.

“ Children in one of the workshops held as part of the exhibition created felt galaxies and we were delighted that the collage of this work was bought by a visitor to the exhibition for her saloon.”

As a thank you to everyone who helped set up, steward and curate these exhibitions the Trust hosted an end of Summer season tea and cakes event in the house.

“It was lovely to be able to thank everyone involved for all their hard work in making these events so successful.” said Julia Richards, Manor House Trustee.

The new Autumn/Winter programme is out and has a wealth of new events, exhibitions and activities.

“We are thrilled to be hosting a major retrospective in October of the late Graeme Willson’s work. We have been working closely with the family to bring many of Graeme’s works to the Manor House, most will be for sale but some are from private collections so this will be a once in a lifetime chance to see some of these pieces,” said Sarah Thomas.

“We also have a sell-out concert featuring O’Hooley and Tidow, who are perhaps best known currently for their song about Gentleman Jack.

The first display in the Manor House features 19th century pictures of Ilkley from the Moor and 20th and 21st century aerial photos of the town. The Woods’ aerial photo in the Manor House is always a major talking point for visitors and so we are sure that this larger display will prove to be very popular.”

The Manor House is open every weekend from 11am – 4pm until Sunday, December 22.