Picturing Pontefract exhibition opens at Pontefract Museum
Tuesday, February 03, 2026
Wakefield Council’s latest exhibition exploring Pontefract through the eyes of artists and map makers is now open at Pontefract Museum.
Picturing Pontefract invites visitors to see the town in a new perspective, exploring it through the eyes of artists and craftspeople. The exhibition features a variety of views – past and present, lifelike and imagined. And it reveals how Pontefract and its famous landmarks have been depicted over time.
“Picturing Pontefract is a brilliant celebration of the colour and character of our town.
“There’s a wonderful range of artworks. From historic views and lost monuments, to beautiful buildings and proud people. You can enjoy familiar scenes and step back in time.
“I hope lots of people will visit the exhibition to discover how artists have captured our town and will be inspired to explore Pontefract in a new way.”
Councillor Hannah Appleyard
Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport
Picturing Pontefract features artworks, prints, maps and models from the Council’s Museums and Castles collection, alongside works kindly lent by The Hepworth Wakefield and local artists.
The artworks on display include interpretations of iconic landmarks like All Saints’ Church and the Buttercross. The selection captures local life in all its variety, representing key industries, the hustle and bustle of market day, and the excitement of Pontefract’s popular annual Liquorice Festival.
The exhibition also reveals views that have been lost to time, such as the grand Elizabethan New Hall and the Waterloo Monument. One of the exhibition’s star works is a vast, intricate reimagining of Pontefract Castle in its medieval heyday, depicted in 1989 by the late Alan Bracken, founder and former president of Pontefract Art Club.
Picturing Pontefract showcases a number of local artists. The exhibition features multiple works by William Shone, a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. As well as views by artists including David Gluck, Geoff Leathley, Gordon Fell and David Wheeler.
The exhibition also features a new digital projection, featuring imagery from the recently digitised Fox Manuscripts collection, thanks to Wakefield Libraries. George Fox (1802-1871) was a printer and stationer with a passion for local history. He produced four handwritten and lavishly illustrated volumes about the history of Pontefract, its people and buildings. Some of Fox’s detailed illustrations are featured in the exhibition. The high-resolution digital imagery shows off his artistry and attention to detail.
Visitors to Picturing Pontefract can also take the opportunity to be creative themselves. Inspired by the artists, visitors are invited to try sketching Pontefract or get hands on and build their ideal townscape. Families can also enjoy exploring the exhibition in different ways. A family trail, with prompts and ideas, helps visitors discover the artworks.
The Picturing Pontefract exhibition opens 2 February and runs to 3 October 2026. Admission is free.
Opening hours and visitor information can be found at Picturing Pontefract - Wakefield Museums and Castles