THE ARCHBISHOP of York is to visit Ilkley for the dedication of a unique work of art in an Ilkley church.
The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr David Hope will officially dedicate the huge 10ft by 8ft painting by Ilkley artist Graeme Willson at St Margaret's Church, Queen's Road, on Thursday, April 22.
Costing around £10,000 of lottery grant money, the painting depicts the Madonna and Child with St Margaret and St John the Baptist, depicted against a backdrop of Ilkley Moor.
Renowned artist Mr Willson, who also has work in York Minster, created most of the painting in his studio on Castle Hill, Ilkley.
The painting is now in situ in the church itself - although not yet on public display - where Mr Willson is adding the finishing touches.
Other guests at the ceremony are expected to include the Lord Lieutenant, Bishop and Bradford, and Ilkley MP Ann Cryer.
Brushing up: Graeme Willson applies the finishing touches to his work
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