Museum & Archive Collection
Documentary & Photographic Collection
The unique character of the Museum is represented by several significant collections relating to the development of Otley and District since prehistoric times. Almost all items in the collection are name indexed and they include originals, copies and transcriptions. There is also a Place Index. Click here to see the list of documents and photographs available. Copies of documents and photographs may be purchased (subject to copyright).
Otley Cattle Market, The Licks, c1900.
Artefacts
The artefacts and exhibits from our main collections were put into storage in May 2010 when we had to leave Otley Civic Centre which had housed the Museum since 1961. This video captures a flavour of the collection before it was packed and put into secure storage. In an ideal world, this collection would be on public display but in the meantime, some items come out for temporary exhibitions. 2023 Heritage Open Day saw a display of the textiles that the Museum holds.
To date, a lot of work has been undertaken to digitise the photographic and documentary archive, the actual artefacts have been in storage since the Civic Centre closed, due to a lack of suitable premises. A team of new volunteers has been recruited to unpack the items, photograph them and ensure they are carefully repacked to conserve them for the future. As we uncover these long unseen items, we will be posting updates on the website and our Facebook page.
Otley Market by E E Slater
Building Records & Maps
The Museum holds Building Records for Otley and district from 1869 until Leeds City Council took over in 1974. We also have a large collection of maps of Otley and surrounding areas. Ideally, these maps would be scanned to preserve them for future generations. The Museum is looking for funding opportunities to fund a project to scan them. If you are interested in these maps, please contact us for further information.
Bondgate, Otley, c1909.
Printing Machine Industry
This collection covers the invention of the internationally renowned Wharfedale Printing Machine and includes artefacts, documents and photographs recording the history and development of the town’s Victorian machine makers. Please click here for more detailed information about what the Museum holds. The Museum does have a Wharfedale Printing Press in its collection, however, this is also in storage, due to a lack of suitable premises. Bradford Industrial Museum exhibits a Wharfedale Printing Press.
First World War
Otley’s response to the First World War and its effects on families and communities were profound. Just over 200 servicemen who died had close links to the town and their names and addresses are recorded here. The community opened its doors to Belgian refugees, and a training camp was established at Farnley Park. Local Otley industry also had a role to play in supporting the war effect.
