Wakefield: The Yorkshire city carving out a niche as UK capital of sculpture
With Henry Moore and Dame Barbara Hepworth born in the region, Wakefield’s cultural credentials are beyond reproach.
But it can be argued that the city has made too little of its links to such sculptural icons.
Moore was born in Castleford and is now globally known for his work which often features semi-abstract forms. Dame Barbara, from Wakefield, is known for her links to Modernism.
The birthplace of two of the most significant sculptors of the 20th century, Wakefield is the only city outside London to have two Art Fund Museums of the Year: The Hepworth Wakefield and Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Organised by Wakefield Council, the city centre public sculptures programme has been made possible thanks to a £1m investment from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), administered by Arts Council England (ACE), specifically to curate outdoor contemporary sculptures that animate the city centre.
A spokesman for Experience Wakefield said: “As the UK’s capital of sculpture, it is firmly establishing itself as the cultural gateway to the north and deserves a place on every culture and experience seeker’s bucket list.”
Experience Wakefield says people can walk amongst world-class sculpture at Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Bretton.
The spokesman added: “Set within 500 acres of historic parkland, Yorkshire Sculpture Park offers an opportunity to see internationally renowned artworks in the open air.
"Discover pieces by artists including Moore, Dame Barbara and Damien Hirst as you wander through rolling landscapes where art and nature sit side by side.
“You can also discover the world-renowned works of Dame Barbara at The Hepworth Wakefield.
"Housing one of the most significant collections of Dame Barbara’s work anywhere in the world, the gallery offers a fascinating insight into the life and creative practice of one of Britain’s most influential 20th-century artists.
“Featuring works gifted from Dame Barbara’s own estate, the collection allows visitors to trace her artistic journey, and the evolution of her career that helped shape modern British art.
“The Art House in the city is also an attraction. Home to more than 50 artist studios, The Art House gives visitors a chance to see creativity in action.
"Explore contemporary exhibitions, browse work by local makers, attend open studio events and discover the artists helping to cement Wakefield’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading creative hubs.”
Wakefield’s events programme keeps the cultural calendar busy throughout the year.
Visitors can also experience Light Up Wakefield, the district’s annual celebration of light, creativity and public art on Friday and Saturday November 13 and 14.