Discover more at Hardcastle Crags
Find out how to get to Hardcastle Crags, where to park, things to see and do and more.
Art at Hardcastle Crags
Gibson Mill, built in 1805, was one of the first cotton mills of the Industrial Revolution. Today, this historic building is home to a vibrant programme of art and exhibitions, showcasing creativity in a unique setting. Across its second and third floors, you’ll find regularly changing displays featuring local artists, thought-provoking installations, and works inspired by nature, heritage and conservation.
Fields, Folds and Farming Life: Valerie Mathers
open until 31st December
Fields, Folds and Farming Life offers a powerful and immersive journey through the rhythms of rural life in Bransdale, on the North York Moors. Spanning the seasons, this exhibition captures the resilience, dedication, and deep-rooted connection of the local farming community through evocative photography, specially commissioned artwork, and film.
It sheds light on the challenges farmers face in a changing agricultural landscape - and how they continue to adapt, innovate, and care for the land they love. Their work is not only vital for food production but also for shaping a more sustainable future for people, nature, and the countryside.
Located on the second and third floors of Gibson Mill, this free exhibition is closely linked to our Ancient Grasslands Project, a conservation effort made possible by the traditional farming practices still alive in Calderdale. Here, farmers and landowners continue to use age-old methods like haymaking and grazing, helping to preserve these rare and precious habitats.
Over the past 80 years, up to 97% of ancient grasslands have been lost - many of them irreplaceable. This exhibition celebrates the people working to protect what remains.
Gibson Mill Exhibition Space
Gibson Mill has been a landmark in Hardcastle Crags since 1805, evolving from one of the first cotton mills of the Industrial Revolution into a hub for creativity and sustainability. Once a bustling centre of industry and later an entertainment venue, today the mill’s second and third floors host a dynamic programme of art and exhibitions. These changing displays celebrate local talent and explore themes inspired by nature, heritage, and the mill’s own rich history. All within a building powered by solar and hydro energy, reflecting its commitment to a greener future.
Community Artist: Halliday-Creative
Shelley is a Halifax-based printmaker and illustrator inspired by the insects, plants, and wildlife of Calderdale. Accompanied by her loyal terrier, Badger, she finds beauty in the natural world during her walks.
She first picked up a carving tool during the 2020 lockdown and immediately fell in love with the art of linocut printing. When she’s not out exploring, you’ll find her in her home studio, ink-stained and immersed in her craft. Each print begins with a photograph taken on her walks, which she sketches, transfers, and carves to create distinctive designs.
Drawn to the character of trees and their twisting branches, Shelley has found Hardcastle Crags to be the perfect setting for her work. Its ancient woodland and abundant wildlife provide endless inspiration, celebrated in the prints now on display in the Weaving Shed Café.
The Weaving Shed Community Art Gallery
This space gives Calderdale-based artists the chance to exhibit and sell their work at Hardcastle Crags - whether you’re a professional creative, a part-time artist, or a passionate hobbyist. Our aim is to showcase local talent while creating an inspiring experience for visitors. Displayed along the back wall of the Weaving Shed Cafe, we can accommodate wall-hung artwork in any medium.
Contact us
To find out more about exhibiting in Gibson Mill or the Weaving Shed, please send us an email.
History of Hardcastle Crags
Learn about the history and evolution of the landscape at Hardcastle Crags and Gibson Mill, including its industrial heritage and the mill’s time as an entertainment emporium.
Walking at Hardcastle Crags
With 15 miles of footpaths to explore in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, there's lots to discover on a walk at Hardcastle Crags.
