A colourful and creative exhibition that brings the story of Ilkley Lido to life through the medium of tote bags is on display in the town.
Created by local artist, gallery owner and Ilkley Pool and Lido community group member Joanne Tinker, this one-of-a-kind visual timeline celebrates 90 years of the Lido’s history. There are key moments, images, and memories beautifully printed on reusable tote bags. They’re being displayed alongside vintage swimming costumes and hats, kindly loaned by Ilkley Playhouse to bring the eras to life.
The exhibition was originally unveiled during the Lido’s 90th birthday celebrations and is now going on public display at two venues in Ilkley, first Ilkley Manor House for two week from 17th May, the exhibition will then move to the Clarke Foley Community Hub.
Joanne spent months researching the pool’s history and trawling through the Ilkley Gazette archives on microfilm at the library. But rather than present the information through traditional panels, she reimagined the story in a way that’s as practical as it is personal.
She said:
“I love the Lido, I love swimming and I wanted to support it.
“There are so many amazing images of it over the years, so I decided to do a visual timeline rather than facts and figures. For me, as an artist, it’s the images that I love.”
The decision to choose tote bags was not just for their eye-catching quality, but because they could live on beyond the exhibition.
“At first I thought about just printing the images onto paper or card, but I wanted to do something a bit different, something that would stand out. Tote bags felt perfect. People can actually use them afterwards, take them swimming, fill them with goggles, hats, shampoo… it just felt right.”
When asked about her favourites from the collection, Joanne said:
“I love the ones with the slides and diving boards especially through the 1930s and 40s. Sadly they had to come down in 1974 because of health and safety, but it’s amazing to see.”
The display has already received an enthusiastic response from the public.
“People loved looking through them, recognising old facts such as how part of Calendar Girls was filmed here. Also seeing just how much history the Lido holds. Having a bag with an old image on it makes it even more special.”
Gathering content for the exhibition has also sparked some amazing memories from the Ilkley community that they’ve been sharing with the Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group.
Sharon from Ilkley shared her story of when a famous TV show came to town in the 80s:
“I was a Guide and I took part in an It's A Knockout event at the Lido. We competed in teams, taking part in a variety of events both in and over the water - one of mine was the slippery pole where you sit on it over the water and opposite your opponent and you had to try and knock them off with a pillow without getting knocked down yourself.
“I remember the water being cold, we were competing against teams from different organisations and Harry Gration and Judith Stamper were there I think as the comperès. We got t-shirts from the event, I still have mine and it's now part of a t-shirt blanket.”
Sarah Thomas, Chair of the Ilkley Manor House Trust said:
“Ilkley Manor House is delighted to be hosting this time limited exhibition in the main downstairs room of the House. Though it will be on display for a relatively short time we hope that as many people as possible can come and enjoy it.
“The iconic Lido is as much part of Ilkley as the Cow and Calf and the Manor House and we all need to treasure these assets as they help to make Ilkley such a wonderful town to live in and visit.”
Rosie Bond from Ilkley Playhouse wardrobe said:
“Ilkley Lido is celebrating its 90th anniversary and its important part in Ilkley’s heritage mirrors that of Ilkley Playhouse. We are looking forward to celebrating our centenary in 2028 and are fortunate also to own a heritage building in Ilkley.
“We were very pleased to be able to support the Lido history exhibition and to provide vintage swimwear and costumes from our extensive costume collection for this display.
"Why not come along and explore this colourful celebration of Ilkley’s past!"
The tote bags will be on sale online soon, along with sewing badges, updates will be posted on the Ilkley Pool and Lido community group website and Facebook page.
Photos from the 90th Lido party are available to view on website at ilkleypoolandlido.co.uk
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