Category Archives: Museums

It’s one of the most iconic television scenes of all time, and now the shirt worn by Colin Firth in the BBC’s 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is making its way to Yorkshire, after being purchased by Bankfield Museum in Halifax. The shirt featured as part of an auction of items from… read more … about Bringing a piece of television history to Calderdale>>

Shirt worn in Pride and Prejudice

The Anne Lister Birthday Festival is returning for 2024, with organisations across Calderdale hosting events to celebrate and remember the life and legacy of Shibden Hall’s most famous resident. The famous landowner, entrepreneur, mountaineer, scholar, traveller, and lesbian, Anne Lister was born in Halifax on 3 April 1791. To celebrate what would have been Anne’s… read more … about Festival returns to celebrate the remarkable life of Anne Lister>>

Anne Lister portrait

Time is running out to see the unique collection of dress historian and author Lucy Adlington at Bankfield Museum in Halifax. Visitors to the museum have until Saturday 23 December to enjoy the ‘Opening the Wardrobe’ exhibition, which has been on display in the Fashion Gallery on the top floor of the museum since February… read more … about Enjoy festive fashions at Bankfield, before the wardrobe closes its doors>>

Lucy Adlington at Bankfield Museum in front of glass case containing dresses

The hidden wonders found in the local Calderdale landscape are the focus of a new exhibition at Bankfield Museum, Halifax. Works by watercolour artist Jane Austin are on display at the museum as part of the new exhibition, Three Miles from Home.  Each piece on display captures scenes which can be found within three miles… read more … about New exhibition explores hidden Halifax>>

Watercolour of barn owl. Copyright Jane Austin

Friday 22 September 2023 marks 183 years since the death of Anne Lister, and organisations around Calderdale are taking part in a programme of events to celebrate her remarkable life and legacy. The famous diarist, landowner, entrepreneur, mountaineer, scholar, traveller, and lesbian, Anne Lister, was born in Halifax on 3 April 1791 and died on… read more … about Celebrating the remarkable life and legacy of Anne Lister>>

Visitors gathered around the Anne Lister statue at the Piece Hall

Time is running out to enter Calderdale Council’s Open Art competition, the regional showcase for professional and amateur artists. People from Calderdale and beyond are invited to submit their artwork by midnight onTuesday 15 August 2023, the best of which will be selected for display in a six-month exhibition at Smith Art Gallery, Brighouse. In… read more … about Put your heart into Open Art competition>>

Calderdale Open Art logo

Volunteers will build a thriving future for the historic Heptonstall Museum, after Calderdale Council officially handed over the running of the museum to the Friends of Heptonstall Museum (FOHM) charity. The completion of the community asset transfer on Tuesday 4 July 2023 saw the Council grant a 125-year lease to FOHM. This was a key… read more … about Heptonstall Museum starts a bright new chapter>>

Inside Heptonstall Museum

As part of Calderdale celebrations for national Armed Forces Day, Bankfield Museum in Halifax is hosting a free family fun day on Saturday 24 June. Armed Forces Day(external link) is an annual national event that gives communities the opportunity to show their support for the men and women of the Armed Forces including currently serving troops,… read more … about Calderdale shows its support for Armed Forces Day>>

Armed Forces

Ahead of Calderdale’s Year of Culture in 2024, people are encouraged to bring the borough’s distinctive features to life by creating artwork that could go on display in a local gallery. Calderdale Council has launched its Open Art competition and is calling for entries from professional and amateur artists. The winning pieces of artwork will… read more … about Council opens up opportunities for creativity>>

Calderdale Open Art logo