New Colour of Dreams group exhibition at Ilkley Manor House

Saturday, 29 November 2025 09:00

Ilkley Manor House is hosting Colour of Dreams, a new group exhibition curated by Andreea Chitan, bringing together a vibrant selection of painters, makers, and textile artists whose work celebrates the emotional and sensory language of colour.

Gentle yet radiant, Colour of Dreams explores how artists use hue, tone, and texture to hold memory, mood, and meaning. The exhibition invites visitors to slow down and experience colour as something lived and felt, a quiet conversation between material and imagination.

Among the artists featured are Jane Wood, whose sculptural assemblages made from found coastal materials speak of memory and belonging; Kate Lycett, known for her richly patterned and gold-leafed townscapes; and Gill Edwards, whose mixed-media paintings balance texture and intuition with joyful rhythm.

In the Solar Gallery, textile artist Hannah Lamb expands the theme spatially with [De]Constructed Cloth, a series of sculptural textile works that layer imagery and structure to reflect on the histories of making. The exhibition also includes the atmospheric paintings of Rachael Sugden, exploring connection and home; the colour-rich city studies of Jonathan Hooper; and the quiet, intuitive compositions of John Gamble.

Renowned landscape painter Katharine Holmes brings her deep-rooted relationship with the Yorkshire Dales to the exhibition, while Emma Westmacott’s slip-cast terracotta forms echo the sculptural lines of Brutalist architecture. Finally, Helina Bassey’s contemplative oil paintings dissolve the boundary between abstraction and landscape, offering moments of calm and poise.

Curator Andreea Chitan said:

“Colour of Dreams brings together artists who each, in their own way, use colour as a way of feeling — to trace memory, to build atmosphere, to invite a kind of quiet joy.

“It’s an exhibition that moves gently between brightness and stillness, between seeing and sensing.”

Timed ahead of the festive season, Colour of Dreams also offers visitors the perfect opportunity to discover unique, collectable artworks — meaningful pieces to live with or to give as thoughtful Christmas gifts that support both artists and Ilkley Manor House.

Colour of Dreams is at Ilkley Manor House in Castle Yard [LS29 9DT] between 29 November – 14 December 2025. Ilkley Manor House is open Saturdays & Sundays, 11am–4pm and entry is free, but donations are welcome.

More from Local news

Yorkshire Water says end of hosepipe ban is near as rainfall continues

Yorkshire Water says hosepipe restrictions could be lifted 'within weeks' as sustained rainfall continues to boost water supplies across the region.
Countdown to annual Holly Ball in Ilkley

Organisers of the annual Holly Ball are getting ready for the biggest and best yet next month, which is set to raise vital funds for two local charities.
Cash Access open temporary banking hub in Ilkley

Cash Access UK, the organisation set up to protect access to cash across the UK, has opened a temporary home for the banking hub in Ilkley at the Library on Station Road.
Yorkshire housing market won't suffer budget blues

Ilkley estate agent, Dacre, Son & Hartley, believes Yorkshire’s housing market will be largely immune to the property tax changes announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in this week’s autumn budget.
Two Rivers announce Christmas concert delights

Two Rivers Concert Band will unpack a treasure trove of Christmas delights at its Christmas Concert at Ilkley Baptist Church on Sunday 7 December.
Prestigious heritage award for Ilkley apartment development

A brand-new apartment development in Ilkley town centre which has seen the upper floors of a landmark building on The Grove converted into 10 magnificent apartments, has been presented with a conservation award in recognition of its high quality and sympathetic transformation.
Leeds Hospitals Charity opens its new concept shop on The Grove

Leeds Hospitals Charity joined Ilkley town centre this week with the opening of its biggest store yet.
Ilkley Manor House roof restoration to start in the new year

Work to restore the roof of Ilkley’s 12 century manor house will start in the new year Bradford Council has confirmed.
Two Ilkley artists connect with colour at joint exhibition

Ilkley artists Helen Brayshaw and Lucia Smith are coming together for a second Art in the Kitchen event this weekend.
Give a local hero the recognition they deserve!

Nominations for Ilkley Town Council’s 2026 Citizen Awards Scheme are now open.
Ilkley's magical Christmas lights switch on

Ilkley came together for a magical Christmas lights switch on at the weekend.
Big Ilkley Quiz raised over £2k for local children and families

The Principle Trust Children’s Charity has announced its delight after the success of the Big Ilkley Quiz last week at the Craiglands Hotel, a valued Patron of the Charity.
Addingham Scouts raise a frightening £11,500

Addingham Scout Group held its annual Halloween fundraising event at Golden Acre Park, and raised a frightening £11,500!
Colin Montgomerie OBE to host 2026 Yorkshire Invitational in Ilkley

Organisers of The Yorkshire Invitational golfing event held in Ilkley have announced the legendary European golf figure, Colin Montgomerie OBE, will host next year.
Give the gift of 'beer festival' tickets this year!

As the festive season edges closer, Ilkley residents are being encouraged to think beyond traditional gifts this year and consider something a little more memorable.
Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival ‘A sparkling community celebration’

Now the Christmas lights are on in Ilkley, the countdown in on this year’s Christmas Tree Festival at St Margaret’s, where trees will be beautifully adorned and festive music promises to fill the church.
Ilkley ‘safe haven’ nominated in national festive campaign

Dan's Den at Christchurch in Ilkley has been nominated in a national campaign, The BIG Christmas Giveback, which aims to shine a light on the positive work happening in local communities.
Swap your jumpers for socks to raise funds for charity

Airedale Hospital and Community Charity invite you to swap out your Festive jumpers for socks this year to spread festive cheer throughout the community on Friday 12 December.
Emergency throw lines installed along Wharfe in Ilkley

A new water-safety initiative has been launched with the installation of three throw-line stations along the River Wharfe in Ilkley.
20th Beef & Beer Dinner in Ilkley raises £55k for Manorlands

The 20th annual Beef & Beer Dinner took place earlier this month at The Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley, raising an incredible £55,250 in support of Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice.