Wakefield Museum celebrates internationally exhibited artist and cultural champion
Wednesday, July 02, 2025
A new exhibition has opened at Wakefield Museum celebrating the life and work of local artist, Cynthia Kenny (1929-2021).
The exhibition, called Cynthia Kenny: A city framed, is open until June 2026 and explores our changing city through the artist’s eyes.
“Cynthia Kenny was a champion for art and culture in Wakefield. And a leader in the local artistic community.
“I’m so pleased that her life and legacy is being celebrated in this beautiful new exhibition. I hope lots of people will visit the museum to immerse themselves in Cynthia’s Wakefield.
“I can’t wait to see what memories her paintings spark for people and I’m sure they will inspire visitors to re-explore our city and see it in a new light.”
Cllr Hannah Appleyard
Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport
Cynthia Kenny was one of Wakefield’s most important artists. She painted places in Britain and beyond and exhibited around the world. But Wakefield always held a special place in her heart. From the 1960s to 2000s, Kenny documented Wakefield’s changing landscape.
The exhibition features cityscapes, rural scenes, and detailed studies of buildings. Visitors can admire iconic views and well-known landmarks and discover Wakefield’s hidden gems.
As well as producing her own intricate works, she was a founding member of Wakefield Art Club. In addition to being a trustee for the Friends of Wakefield Art Gallery and Museum for many years.
The artworks are also brought to life by a new soundscape, created by artist, Michelle Duxbury. Her recordings from the city to evoke a day in the life of Cynthia’s Wakefield. Duxbury has also recorded creative audio descriptions for several of the exhibition’s star works.
Visitors can also find out more about Kenny’s influence and legacy. With an exclusive new film by Nick Singleton featuring interviews with Kenny’s friends, colleagues, and contemporaries.
The exhibition also reveals how Cynthia Kenny continues to inspire artists today, showcasing new photography by members of the Wakefield Museums and Castles Youth Forum.
Exhibition visitors are encouraged to borrow sketching materials and get artistic themselves and have a go at creating their own cityscape. For opening hours and visitor information, see: Cynthia Kenny: A City Framed | Experience Wakefield and Wakefield Museum - Wakefield Council