Book-lovers on the trail of art as festival opens new chapter

This year, there will be a new element to the festival incorporating the Ilkley Art Trail, created by local freelance arts project manager and curator Lorna Bird.

Lorna, who is passionate about making the arts more accessible, has already made her mark in Ilkley. Last year she set up a ‘pop-up’ gallery, exhibiting the work of artists in unconventional venues – including hotels, wine bars and even a solicitor’s office.

“With the Art Trail we want to put Ilkley firmly on the map where visual arts are concerned,” says Lorna. “The impetus behind the trail is to enable artists in the area to raise their profile, exhibit and sell their work across many more places.”

With the influx of visitors to Ilkley that the Literature Festival brings, the artists’ work is likely to be seen – and bought – by a good number of people.

Thirty artists are exhibiting over 29 venues – open studios, front rooms and garages. The most unusual venue on the trail is The Ilkley Brewery with work being displayed among the vats and barrels. “Most venues are within walking distance of each other,” says Lorna. “People can spend as much time as they like and do the Trail over the course of a few days – especially if they are in Ilkley for the Literature Festival anyway.”

The artwork includes painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, textiles and wood and silverwork. All the work has been curated by Lorna and the trail will be coordinated with the support of a team of volunteers, led by local pastel artist Lucia Smith.

“I have been staggered by the response to the call for submissions,” says Lorna. “I had no idea that there were so many talented artists right on our doorstep. It will be lovely to see them all come together.”

One of the artists exhibiting is 95-year-old Ilkley resident Mary Fischer whose nephew John, visiting from Reigate in Surrey, contacted Lorna when he saw one of the Art Trail flyers. “John asked me if I would have a look at some of Mary’s work as it would mean a lot to her and as soon as I saw it, I just loved it,” says Lorna. “It really stood out because it is so vibrant, distinctive and timeless.”

Mary, who worked as a print producer for Cortaulds Textiles in Bradford and travelled all over Europe in search of designs, first began painting when she retired 35 years ago.

“I still paint today and I’ve always had an interest,” she says. “When I was a child my mother said she would buy me a special present for being a bridesmaid. In the toyshop I had my eye on a small paint box, but my mother bought me a doll instead – so I might have started earlier!”

The interest from artists in and around Ilkley has snowballed and Lorna has had to turn some people away, which bodes well for the future. The venture this year has been self-funding although Lorna hopes to attract some funding for next year.

“Ultimately, the trail is about making art accessible, visible and affordable. If we can establish the trail as an annual event it means that the artists will be encouraged to make new collections and more visitors will come – so everyone benefits.”

Ilkley Art Trail, October 8-16, various venues www.ilkleyarttrail.org.uk Mary Fischer’s work can be seen at Linda Dewart’s open studio on Oct 8, 9, 13-16, 10am-5pm.