Pontefract Exhibition Opens at Pontefract Museum Celebrates Local Art, History, and Culture

Ever walked down a street you’ve known your whole life and suddenly spotted something new? A funny-looking gargoyle on a roof, or a plaque you’ve never noticed before? It’s funny how we can look at a place every day without really seeing it.

Well, a brilliant new exhibition over at Pontefract Museum is all about changing that. It’s called Picturing Pontefract, and it’s a fantastic chance to see the historic town of Pontefract through the eyes of all sorts of talented people, from painters to map makers. This isn't just a history lesson; it's a celebration of local culture, art, and the very character of the town, brought to life by the Wakefield Council for everyone to enjoy.

A fresh look at a familiar town

The whole idea behind the Picturing Pontefract exhibition is to get visitors to see the town from a totally new angle. Imagine putting on a pair of special glasses that let you see how an artist views your local high street, or how a historian from ages ago might have mapped it out. That's pretty much what this experience is. The collection brings together a massive variety of views, some are super realistic paintings of Pontefract today, while others are imaginative artworks of how it might have looked centuries ago.

The exhibition is a journey through time, showing how the town and its famous landmarks have been captured by different artists and craftspeople over the years. It's a proper showcase of local heritage, pulling together some amazing pieces from the Council’s own Museums and Castles collection, plus some special loans from The Hepworth Wakefield and a number of talented local artists.

What's on show? More than just pictures

So, what can visitors actually expect to see? The artworks on display cover everything that makes Pontefract, well, Pontefract. There are fantastic interpretations of iconic landmarks that locals will recognise in a heartbeat, like the beautiful All Saints’ Church and the distinctive Buttercross. But it’s not just about buildings. The collection captures the spirit of local life, from the hustle and bustle of a busy market day to the sweet excitement of the town's yearly Liquorice Festival. It's a real celebration of the town's unique culture.

The exhibition also acts as a bit of a time machine. It shows views of places that have long since vanished, like the grand Elizabethan New Hall and the Waterloo Monument. One of the absolute must-see artworks is a huge, incredibly detailed painting of Pontefract Castle. It was created back in 1989 by the late Alan Bracken, who founded the Pontefract Art Club. He reimagined the castle in its medieval glory, and the result is just stunning. It gives visitors a proper glimpse into the town's deep history and the importance of its magnificent castles. This exhibition provides many different views of the town.

Celebrating local talent

A big part of the Picturing Pontefract exhibition is celebrating the amazing creative talent from the area. This isn’t about famous artists from far-flung places; it’s about the people who know and love this town. The museum is showcasing a whole host of brilliant local artists. There are several pieces by William Shone, who is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, which is a pretty big deal. You’ll also find fantastic views of the town by artists like David Gluck, Geoff Leathley, Gordon Fell, and David Wheeler. It's a real testament to the artistic community in and around Wakefield.

Cllr Hannah Appleyard, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport for the local council, is clearly chuffed with the new exhibition. She said: “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.”

Old history meets new tech

This exhibition cleverly mixes the old with the new. One of the highlights is a new digital projection showing images from the recently digitised Fox Manuscripts. So, what are they? Back in the 1800s, a local printer and history buff named George Fox (1802-1871) created four massive handwritten books all about the history of Pontefract. They were packed with his own incredibly detailed illustrations of the town's buildings and people. Thanks to Wakefield Libraries, these amazing manuscripts have been scanned in high-resolution, and now they’re being brought to life in the exhibition. This digital projection lets you see Fox’s amazing attention to detail up close, offering a window into the past in a really modern way. It’s a fantastic way to connect with local history.

Get creative yourself

The best part about this exhibition is that it’s not just for looking. It’s designed to get your own creative juices flowing. After seeing all the incredible artworks from the various artists, visitors are encouraged to have a go themselves. There are spots where you can try sketching your own version of Pontefract or even get hands-on and build your ideal townscape. It’s a great way to think about your own surroundings. For families, there’s a special trail with fun prompts and ideas to help younger visitors explore the exhibition and discover the artworks in an engaging way. It turns a trip to the museum into a proper family day out. It’s one of the most engaging attractions in the local network of museums.

The Picturing Pontefract exhibition opened on 2 February and runs all the way through to 3 October 2026, so there’s plenty of time to pop in. And the best bit? Admission is completely free. It’s a wonderful opportunity for visitors of all ages to connect with the town’s history, celebrate its vibrant culture, and perhaps see a place they thought they knew in a completely new light.