What Art Exhibitions Are On at The Folly in the Yorkshire Dales?

If you’ve ever wandered through the Yorkshire Dales and thought, "This looks like a painting", you’re not alone. Two artists and an entire creative family have turned those breathtaking landscapes into artwork now on display at The Folly in Settle.

The museum is currently hosting two major exhibitions celebrating the beauty of the Dales, along with a festive family experience that is perfect for winter visitors. Whether you're an art fan, a culture lover or simply looking for something seasonal to do, The Folly has become one of the top cultural stops in the area.

Jonathan Little: Living Landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales

It’s not every day that someone goes from building aerospace components to capturing moorland skies on canvas, but that is the story of artist Jonathan Little. After beginning his career in aerospace engineering, he eventually moved into art and developed a deep connection to the Yorkshire Dales. His exhibition, Living Landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales, shows that connection in every piece. Jonathan works in mixed media but is especially acclaimed for his oil paintings.

His art captures the changes of light, shifting clouds, winter shadows, and vibrant summer greens that make the Dales so unique. He explains his approach by saying: "My practice is rooted in close observation of the landscape, the fleeting shifts of light, cloud, and season that transform the familiar into something extraordinary." His background in life drawing gives him a strong eye for detail, which comes through in the expressive quality of each canvas. This exhibition offers a vivid, atmospheric view of the Dales that feels both familiar and entirely new.

Katharine Holmes & Three Generations: A Family Legacy in Paint

The second exhibition is something truly special. Katharine Holmes, a renowned Yorkshire painter known for working outdoors in all weathers, presents a collection featuring three generations of her family. The exhibition, Painting and Living in a Malham Cottage, includes artwork by her grandmother Constance Pearson, her mother Phillipa Holmes and Katharine herself. All three women were inspired by the Malham landscape and the family cottage that became central to their creative lives.

Katharine is well known for painting directly in the landscape, often facing wind, rain, intense light or sudden weather changes. This gives her work a sense of movement and energy that reflects the true feel of being out in the Dales. The exhibition allows visitors to see how three artists interpreted the same scenery in different ways, each bringing their own style, experience and viewpoint to the canvas. Some of Katharine’s works are also available to buy, making it a rare chance to take home a piece of Yorkshire art inspired by generations of creativity.

Festive Fun: Christmas with Molly at The Folly

Alongside the art exhibitions, The Folly is also running a festive family experience called Christmas with Molly. Instead of a standard museum visit, families are guided by cheerful elves who reveal old-fashioned toys from the museum’s collection.

Children and adults get a glimpse of Christmas in the past through interactive storytelling and playful exploration. Upstairs in the Railway Room, Molly reads festive classics including The Night Before Christmas and The Polar Express. It is a cosy, atmospheric experience that adds a wonderful seasonal touch to a day out at The Folly.

When Are the Exhibitions Running?

Both the Jonathan Little exhibition and the three generations exhibition by Katharine Holmes and her family are open until 3 January next year. Visitors have plenty of time to explore the artwork and enjoy the festive activities during the Christmas and New Year period.

A Perfect Winter Visit

With two exceptional art exhibitions, a celebration of Yorkshire landscapes and a family-friendly Christmas experience, The Folly in Settle is one of the most worthwhile cultural outings in the Yorkshire Dales this season. Whether you love art, history, festive activities or simply discovering something new, The Folly offers a warm, creative and memorable experience for all ages.