The Cottingley Fairies: A Study in Deception

Do you believe in fairies?

Just over one hundred years ago Sir Arthur Conan Doyle published the Cottingley fairies photographs in “The Strand Magazine”.

But how did the literary genius behind the detective mastermind Sherlock Holmes get fooled by fake fairies?

Now, you can discover the secrets behind the greatest hoax of the twentieth century in person or online!

Visit the Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery to explore items from the University of Leeds Special Collections, which holds nearly all of the most important documents and artefacts relating to the Cottingley fairies. 

Or experience the magic from your own home and view the online exhibition here.

Want more? Why not listen to guest curator Dr Merrick Burrow as he gives an insight into how two young girls from Yorkshire fooled the world.