Ilkley Manor House Invites You Through Their Delightful Yorkshire Door.

Ilkley Manor House reopens for spring later this month with ‘Doors of Yorkshire’, an exhibition of contemporary textiles created by members of West Riding Ruggers. For just one weekend only, visitors will be able to enjoy this fascinating exhibition that uses traditional rag-rugging skills and recycled textiles to create a set of 15 panels depicting local Yorkshire doors.

The exhibition will be on display during Ilkley Manor House’s opening weekend, from 11am on Sat 24 Feb until 4pm on Sun 25 Feb. Members of West Riding Ruggers will be on hand to explain how they make rugs, wall-hangings and everyday items using techniques handed down through generations.

“Rag rugs were traditionally made for use at home using old, mainly woollen clothes.” says Chrissy Donnelly, one of the organisers of the exhibition. “Now a contemporary art (no longer limited to creating necessary, practical household items), rag rugging is the ‘new’ green craft. There’s an opportunity to create sustainable and beautiful rugs or wall-hangings using recycled materials and to create items that include our memories – what better way to preserve your child’s or parent’s favourite old jumper, commemorate important events or to depict a moment in history?”

Come along to meet members of the group, find out how these and other items are made, handle some of the works and vote for your favourite door to win a rag rug starter kit. Also, if you are interested in learning how to make rag rugs and wish to get involved, the West Riding Ruggers group welcomes new members.

For a full list of all Ilkley Manor House’s events and activities for Feb – Apr, please visit: ilkleymanorhouse.org/spring-2024 or pick up a physical copy of the spring programme from the Ilkley Visitor Information Centre, local shops or from the outdoor leaflet holder located next to Ilkley Manor House’s front door.