Alex Cann

6:30am - 10:00am

Email the studio

Elton John

Philadelphia Freedom

Listen Live Podcasts

Local artist announced retirement with ‘the big thank you’

Monday, 6 April 2026 09:21

Ilkley-based artist Lucia Smith is hosting her last ever event this weekend at Weaverbird Workshop in Ilkley.

To mark her retirement from the easel ‘The Big Thank You’ is a celebration and a time of gratitude.

She explains:

‘What a wonderful time I have had painting the incredible Yorkshire Dales for so many years, it feels right to create a final exhibition to honour it all. ‘The Big Thank You’ is also about recognising those who have helped and supported me.

“The local art suppliers, the framers and fine art printers; the art galleries and shops, and the wonderful folk of the Yorkshire Dales National Park who carefully look after our magnificent landscape.

“Heartfelt thanks must also go to every single one of my customers, and all who have ever paused and enjoyed my work. Every purchase; whether that be of an original painting, a fine art print, or even just a card; each has inspired and uplifted me. For that I am deeply grateful.”

As part of the celebration, Lucia will be showing some lesser-seen, unique items from behind the scenes: original sketches from her studio will be shown alongside the fine art prints they informed, and all will be available to buy. There will be some celebratory prices too!

She invites all customers – old and new - to pop along and be intrigued one last time.

The Weaverbird Workshop is on Wells Road and the exhibition is open Saturday 11th 6pm - 8pm and Sunday 12th 10am – 4pm.

More from Local news

Ilkley boxer plans comeback after life-changing reunion

Ilkley boxer Louis Brow, who has competed at top levels including in front of 10,000 spectators in Dublin, has announced a planned international comeback after a life-changing reunion in Thailand reignited his passion for the sport.
Upcoming 'not to miss' author events at The Grove Bookshop

The Grove Bookshop has announced three author events in the coming weeks.
The moving 'Stabat Mater' Friday lunchtime at St Margaret's

A deeply moving performance of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater will take place at St Margaret’s Church in Ilkley on Friday [10 April] at 12.30pm, as part of the church’s monthly lunchtime recital series.
Get ‘In The Mood’ at King’s Hall Ilkley

The Northern Swing Orchestra, a renowned 16-piece big band, returns to the Kings Hall on Saturday 9 May, for a special tribute to the legendary bandleader Glenn Miller.
Exploring Ilkley Manor House: A morning talk and family fun this Saturday

This Saturday, 11 April, Ilkley Manor House is hosting two events, a talk and free family fun.
Countdown begins to 2026 Ilkley Cycle Races

Ilkley will once again come alive with speed, energy, and community spirit as the much-anticipated Ilkley Cycle Races return on Friday 3rd July.
Ilkley Board Gamers return for Easter

Following the success of the half-term events, Ilkley Board Games is back for Easter, with another afternoon of board games at All Saints for teenagers and children of all ages, plus their parents and carers.
Food waste collections in Ilkley from this autumn

Bradford Council is making changes to its waste management policies including weekly food waste collections starting this autumn.
Yorkshire’s premier sportive returns to Ilkley in May

First held 2012, the White Rose Classic Cycling Sportive organised by Ilkley Cycling Club returns on Sunday 31 May 2026.
Ilkley Bandstand announce 2026 programme

In its 25th year, The Ilkley Bandstand 2000 Trust, the charity that runs Ilkley Bandstand, has announced the programme of artists performing during its Jubilee year.
Veteran comedian Jimmy Cricket to perform in Silsden

"Come'ere There's More", Jimmy Cricket headlines Silsden Town Hall, supported by his daughter Katie Mulgrew, and resident comic, Howard Walker.
Cookery Theatre programme announced for Ilkley Food and Drink Festival

Organisers of the Ilkley Food and Drink Festival have confirmed the full Live Cookery Theatre line-up for their seventh annual celebration, set to take place on the 13 and 14 June at East Holmes Field.
Doctors strikes will 'particularly impact Airedale A&E' bosses say

Strike action by resident doctors will disrupt services at Airedale Hospital from 7am on Tuesday 7 April until 7am on Monday 13 April 2026.
Prestigious gold award for One Tivoli Place

The AA recently recognised One Tivoli Place Guest House with two awards for cuisine (Dinner and Breakfast) plus a prestigious overall award of ‘Gold.’
Vacant Ilkley pub & hotel could be transformed into apartments

A former Ilkley town centre pub and hotel, vacant since 2021, could be converted into 10 self-contained residential apartments if plans are approved by Bradford Council.
Northern trains expected to 'run normally' this Easter, passengers told

Northern says the majority of its services will run as normal over the Easter bank holiday, while reminding customers to plan ahead and check before travelling.
Calendar Girls The Musical this April at Ilkley Playhouse

An exciting line-up in April at Ilkley Playhouse includes Calendar Girls The Musical, the thriller Bindweed and music from After Hours Quintet and The Hooliemen.
The Food Carriage is back at The Ticket Office

After 3 long awaited years, The Ticket Office Ilkley welcomes back its food carriage, with a brand-new menu launching this today, 1 April.
Ilkley Bandstand celebrates its jubilee year

It was the year 2000 when the Rotary Club of Ilkley and Rotary Club of Ilkley Wharfedale announced an ambitious plan for a millennium project, the Ilkley Bandstand, to provide a music and performance space in the very heart of town.
Lord and Lady Mayoress to help launch new Memory Café

Greenholme House Care Home is launching its Memory Café this month with help from the Lord Mayor and The Lady Mayoress.