ILKLEY Manor House’s first exhibition under its new stewardship opens on Friday April 6.

Called Seven Artists One Pebble Seven Journeys, it is the culmination of more than a year’s work and planning.

It is inspired by a simple pebble plucked from the River Wharfe. Each of the seven local artists have then embarked on their own journey exploring different ideas within their own disciplines.

“We are very excited to be showing at the Manor House especially at the start of its new life under the Manor House Trust,” said Lucia Smith, whose idea to share her pebble muse became the seed for the exhibition.

“It is such a wonderful and important venue for the town and we are really proud to be involved right at the beginning of what promises to be a buzzing artistic hub in the town.”

The exhibition shows a diverse range of new work covering paint and pastels, collage, mixed media and 3d assemblages, jewellery, clay and textiles.

“While everyone’s work is very different, there is a common underlying theme about human relationships, whether that be within our own families, with wider communities or with the land in which we live,” said Linda Dewart, one of the artists.

“We are hoping that there will be something for everyone to enjoy but at the same time offering a moment to pause and reflect on some of the issues currently confronting us all.”

The seven artists taking part have all been involved in the annual Ilkley Arts Trail. They are: Joanne Tinker who creates 3d work using found objects; Kerry J Stoker who paints abstract canvases using mixed media; Lucia Smith who uses soft pastels and expanding geological knowledge to capture the essence of the Yorkshire Dales; Anita Rowell who currently creates mixed media collages and textworks; Libby Jubb who is working pebbles, their patterns and shapes into silver jewellery; Ken Jaquiery who works mainly with clay as a sculptor and Linda Dewart who uses diverse materials including stones, silver, paint and textiles.

Lucia said: “I’ve been delighted with our seven-way response: wonderful new art pieces, with each artist feeling that the synergy has led to more depth in their work. The resulting exhibition will offer the visitor far more than I ever anticipated.”

There will be activities running alongside the exhibition. “Dr Rock”, local geologist, Robin Oldfield, will be on hand with samples to talk about both his stones and any that the public may wish to bring along for identification - on Saturday April 7 and Saturday April 14, from1-4pm.

There will be a “pebble beach activity” for children on Sunday April 8 from 2-4pm. On Saturday April 14 the Friends of the Manor House are holding their regular family fun afternoon from 2-4pm but will be incorporating a “make a pebble display carousel” to connect with the Pebble Projects exhibition. The pebble beach display will go on display on the last day of the exhibition – Sunday April 15.