We were delighted when one of our favourite local artists Louise Hepworth-Wood agreed to design the cover for this Christmas issue of beyond and we couldn’t have been happier with the result.

It’s been a busy 2025 for Ilkley artist Louise Hepworth-Wood who in addition to working as a professional artist was tasked with project managing the Ilkley Fountain build earlier this year.

She was a key figure in the Improving Ilkley Group that initiated and successfully delivered the project working tirelessly to help organise fundraising and volunteers for the galvanised steel fountain that now sits proudly at the top of Brook Street in the town centre.

But it is her amazing artwork that has dominated art galleries and exhibitions across the county this year that brings her the most satisfaction and the former art teacher is never happier than when she’s got a brush in hand in her Ilkley studio.

Much of her eye-catching work is inspired by the landscape and in particular, trees, with their individual, unique shapes and structures which dominate many of her pieces where structures set against the horizontal landscape are constantly being revisited and re-imagined.

Talking about her work she said: “I’ve often thought there is something truly mystical about trees. Their longevity of life, the way in which they almost ‘reach’ for the sky and beyond. Their ability to cleanse the planet but most importantly, their simple yet exquisite beauty remains a constant draw and I simply adore walking through woodland and sniffing the mossy air.”

“After spending 22 years teaching, I was presented with the wonderful opportunity to be able to fulfil my wish to become a professional artist and since 2016 that’s exactly what I”ve been lucky enough to do.

“I was delighted to be asked to produce the latest cover for beyond which hopefully captures the magic of Christmas with a different twist and was something I loved working on.”

The majority of Louise’s work is commission based, but she also sells through various galleries and interior design showrooms.

You can see more of Louise’s work at louisehepworthwoodart.com