Emmy Turner Illustration

Emmy Turner's illustration gallery sits just outside Skipton, and it's the sort of place that creeps up on you - you're not expecting much, then you walk in and realise someone genuinely talented is showing their work. Turner's illustrations have that loose, confident quality you see in children's books and editorial work, with real personality behind the lines.

The space itself is modest. It's not a grand institution with marble floors and hushed tones. Instead it feels like stepping into an artist's working world - you get a sense of what goes into making illustrations from concept through to finished piece. The work varies, so depending on what's on, you might see anything from character studies to full narrative sequences. It rewards a proper look rather than a quick glance.

This works best for illustrators, designers, and anyone interested in how picture-making actually happens. Parents with older kids who care about art will find it worthwhile. Younger children might lose interest after twenty minutes, though it depends on the child.

Skipton itself is a proper market town with decent shops and cafes, so you can easily string together a half-day. Base yourself at Wharfedale Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite just 1.4 miles out, or push further to Bolton Abbey Estate if you want countryside walking alongside your art fix. Worth ringing ahead to check opening hours - galleries this size sometimes keep odd schedules - but if you're passing through and illustration interests you, don't skip it.