If you’ve passed by Hemsworth Library lately, you might have noticed something that wasn’t there before—a gorgeous new mural wrapping around the building like a big colourful hug. This isn’t just any random piece of public art, though. It’s a tribute to the Hemsworth community and everything that makes it special, created by artist Douglas Black.
This eye-catching mural, called Lighting the Lanes, isn’t just paint on a wall either. There are 30 stained-glass-style designs on the library’s windows that light up the interior with an extra burst of colour when the sun shines through. It’s bright, cheerful, and—let’s face it—probably the best reason to take the scenic route past the library these days.
Why is everyone talking about this mural?
Well, for starters, it’s not every day your local library becomes an actual work of art. And this isn’t just about the paint. It’s about what the mural represents.
Cllr Hannah Appleyard, who’s all about culture and community as Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, and Sport, summed it up best. She said:
“Residents, businesses, and community groups are experts on their local areas, so it’s fantastic to see that their knowledge has helped to create this amazing new public art. It brightens up the entire building into a colourful work of art. I hope that every time they walk past, it makes them smile.”
The whole idea for the design came from the people of Hemsworth. Locals wanted to add something vibrant and positive to the area, and they worked with Douglas Black to make it happen.
What’s the mural really about?
Douglas Black didn’t just show up and start painting. He spent time getting to know the town and its people first. He said the library isn’t just a place to borrow books. It’s a hub—a space for creativity, learning, play, and connection.
He explained:
“The people I met embody knowledge, creativity, and connection. The library isn’t just a place for information; it’s a hub of play, conversation, and vibrant community activity. I wanted [the mural] to be a celebration of this—a way to share with the public the amazing activities that take place in Hemsworth’s community spaces.”
What’s extra cool is that the library building itself played a role in inspiring the mural. Its shape and the way light filters inside gave Douglas the idea to focus on light as a theme. In his words, light represents two things: the illumination of knowledge and the library’s role in bringing that knowledge to everyone in the community.
What’s next for Wakefield District?
This mural is part of a bigger project called Crossings and Gateways, which is all about adding public art to different parts of the Wakefield district. The project is managed by Wakefield Council and Beam, a local creative organisation.
Kate Watson, Principal Consultant at Beam, thinks this mural is just the beginning. She said:
“Douglas has done an amazing job of capturing all the community input into this uplifting mural, and we hope that every time people visit, they will discover something new. We can’t wait for the other Crossings and Gateways murals to be installed across the district later this year.”
These murals are tied to something called Our Year – Wakefield District 2024, which was a year-long celebration of everything cultural and creative in the area. If you didn’t catch it last year, it was huge, with 366 days (yep, they even squeezed in the leap day) of events that brought people together.
How was all this funded?
Let’s face it—projects like this don’t come cheap. Thankfully, some big names stepped up to make it happen:
- West Yorkshire Combined Authority chipped in a massive £850,000.
- Arts Council England threw in another £500,000.
- National Lottery Heritage Fund added £245,000.
That’s over £1.5 million to brighten up the district with art and culture. Not bad, right?
Why this matters to Hemsworth
Public art like this isn’t just decoration. It’s a way to bring communities together, celebrate local talent, and make places feel special. Whether you’re popping into the library or just walking by, this mural is bound to catch your eye—and maybe even make you pause for a moment to appreciate what Hemsworth’s all about.
So, if you’re local or just visiting, swing by Hemsworth Library to check it out. Who knows? You might spot something new in the mural every time you pass.
For more on the Crossings and Gateways programme, head to Experience Wakefield.
