Situated within the beautiful surroundings of the Wharfe Valley, one of Ilkley's oldest buildings, the Manor House, has been converted into an attractive museum and art gallery. On the ground floor visitors are given a glimpse into Ilkley’s past while the first floor galleries provide the venue for a regularly changing programme of temporary exhibitions.

The Manor House stands on the remains of the Roman fort of Olicana. Only a short section of defensive wall remains exposed at the back of the building, but Roman artefacts from the fort and surrounding area are on permanent display inside the Manor House, together with prehistoric artefacts and information about the development of Ilkley as a Victorian spa town.

This year marks 50 years of the Friends of the Manor House. Through images and objects visitors will be able to learn about the group’s involvement in the Bradford Council-run art gallery and museum over the last half century. This includes purchasing works of art; organising concerts, coffee mornings and lectures; maintaining the cottage gardens; and decorating the Museum for Christmas.

Key items on display include a wall hanging of noted textile artist Theo Moorman that was originally commissioned for the Manor House, and work by local artists such as Barbara Whalley, Eric Satchwell, and Margaret Firth. In addition, families will be able to have a go on a Wii.

John Cockshott, Chair of the Friends of the Manor House, said: “The Manor House is a special part of our community and our heritage. The Friends have fun with the past and the present through talks, tours, concerts and our other activities around the Manor House. We hope people will come to see the exhibition and be inspired to become involved with the Friends of the Manor House.”

For further information about the Friends of the Manor House, please visit manorhouse.ilkley.org.

WHAT'S ON THIS SUMMER

Friends of the Manor House: 50th Anniversary Until Sun, Sept 15, 2013. The Friends of the Manor House have supported the museum for the last 50 years. This exhibition celebrates the creative contribution they have made to one of Ilkley’s most historic buildings.

Friends of the Manor House Courtyard Event Sat, Aug 17 2013. Meet the Friends of the Manor House at our Open House event.

Lunchtime Talk - Making Waves: 40 Years of Ilkley Literature Festival Sat, Sep 28 2013 Celebratory opening of the exhibition that spans 40 years of this internationally renowned festival.

Making Waves Sat, Sep 28 2013 - Sun, Dec 1 2013 40 Years of Ilkley Literature Festival.

  • Address: Manor House Art Gallery & Museum, Castle Yard, Ilkley, LS29 9DT Telephone: 01943 600066. Website: bradfordmuseums.org/. Opening times Tuesday 1 - 5pm Wednesday - Saturday 11am - 5pm Sunday 1 - 4pm Closed: Good Friday, Mondays (Except Bank Holidays) Christmas Day and Boxing Day. How to find it - Manor House Museum and Art Gallery is a short walk from Ilkley railway and bus stations, and from town centre car parks. It is situated in Castle Yard, signposted through a ginnel from Church Street. Admission free. Access and facilities - There is a single step down into the Manor House - please ring the doorbell to arrange assistance. Access restricted to the ground floor, where the permanent collections are displayed. For further Manor House disabled access information visit DisabledGo. Museum shop - The shop in the museum offers a range of souvenirs and gifts including cards, books and replica artifacts. The friends Friends of the Manor House (registered charity 1047823) support The Manor House Art Gallery and Museum Castle Yard, Ilkley LS29 9DT. Contact them via jcockshott@uwclub.net or 01943 601561.