William Selby’s “Creators of Castleford” Back on Display at Castleford Library

Castleford’s industrial heritage is looking good with the restored Creators of Castleford by local artist William Selby now on display at Castleford Library.

This great piece of art, celebrating the town’s working class history, will be enjoyed by locals and visitors for years to come. The artwork has been in the community for over 50 years.

A celebration of Castleford’s History

Castleford is a town with a long and rich history of industry from Roman times to coal mining, glass and ceramics. But it’s not all hard work – rugby league is part of the town’s DNA. William Selby’s Creators of Castleford brings all these together in one image.

So what makes this painting so good? For a start it has six key characters that tell Castleford’s story: a Roman soldier, a glassblower, a potter, a chemist, a coal miner and a rugby player. These figures are set against an industrial backdrop, representing the town’s journey through time. It’s a brilliant tribute to the people who built and shaped the town – from Roman times to today.

A big day for Castleford Library

Unveiled by Cllr Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council and Ray Selby, the artist’s nephew, the artwork has been restored and is now on display in the local studies area of the library. Cllr Jeffery said,

“Lovely to see this painting fully restored. It shows Castleford’s history through the ages. It’s now home where it will be enjoyed by visitors to Castleford Library for years to come.”

This is great as it gets the painting into a more public space. The library is the heart of the community so it makes sense this piece of art is here where more people can see and connect with it.

How the artwork was found

The painting had been in Castleford Civic Centre since 1970 as part of the arts programme for the new building. As time went on it was felt the artwork needed a new home where it could be better displayed. The Friends of Castleford Library took the lead on this.

David Wilders, chair of the Friends said:

“The painting needed a new home where people could see it again. The library is where people can come and see it. We hope people will enjoy the artwork by William Selby and what he was trying to say.”

The artwork is part of Wakefield’s Permanent Art Collection and cared for by The Hepworth Wakefield.

What does “Creators of Castleford” mean to the town?

For William Selby this was very personal. Born in 1933 in the nearby village of Fitzwilliam, Selby was the son of a coal miner and himself worked in the coal industry for several years before becoming an artist. This personal connection to the working life of Castleford comes through in Creators of Castleford. He wanted to capture the town – its people and their work – in a way that felt real.

Selby said:

“I was always inspired by Castleford. I painted what I liked about Castleford, its people. I am glad this painting of 54 years is still as important to the town of Castleford as it was to me then.”

The painting shows not only the town’s industrial power but its cultural identity. A piece of art that tells the story of Castleford – from the Romans to the industrial boom to the love of rugby league – all in one image.

A boost for local art and culture

The move of Creators of Castleford to the library is part of a wider programme to support the town’s heritage. This has been made possible through Wakefield Council’s National Heritage Lottery Fund grant, Our Heritage, Our Stories. The aim is to make sure Castleford’s history is remembered and celebrated in a way that everyone can access.

The Hepworth Wakefield team who conserved and reframed the painting were also pleased. A spokesperson said:

“We’re thrilled this painting has been found. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate some of the key elements of Castleford’s history – its Roman roots as a fort and civilian settlement, its industries and its sporting heritage.”

By putting the painting in the library alongside other important works like the Henry Moore sculpture and carvings we hope more people will be interested in Castleford’s cultural heritage and see the contribution that artists like Selby made to the town’s identity.

What’s next for Castleford Library?

Castleford Library is no longer just about books – it’s becoming a place where people can come and experience art, history and culture all under one roof. With Creators of Castleford added to the collection the library now has a significant piece of local art that’s beautiful and historic.

So if you’re in the area call in and have a look. It’s in the local studies area with other interesting things. And you can find out more about Castleford’s history – from the Roman legions to the coal mining and glass making. You might even learn something new about the town you thought you knew.

The lasting impact of William Selby

William Selby may be best known for his colourist style, but his work also tells deeply personal stories about the places and people he’s connected to. A self-taught artist, Selby went from working in the mines to becoming one of Britain’s leading colourists, earning spots in prestigious institutions like the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI), the Royal Society of British Artists (RBA), and the New English Art Club (NEAC).

His work is vibrant, bold, and full of life – just like Castleford itself. Through Creators of Castleford, Selby has captured the soul of the town, and now, thanks to its new home at Castleford Library, it will continue to inspire and connect people for generations to come.

In a world that’s constantly changing, it’s easy to lose touch with the past. But art has a unique way of keeping history alive, and Creators of Castleford does just that. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a visitor passing through, this painting offers a window into the people and industries that shaped Castleford – and it’s well worth a look.

Head over to Castleford Library and see for yourself. This restored masterpiece is a reminder of the town’s incredible heritage, its resilience, and the power of community.