Artwork unveiled at Castleford Library
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
A restored artwork reflecting the industrial and cultural life of Castleford has gone on display in its new home.
Cllr Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, jointly unveiled Creators of Castleford by artist William Selby at Castleford Library, with Willliam’s nephew Ray Selby.
“It is great to see this stunning painting that’s been fully restored. It highlights Castleford’s proud heritage through the ages.
“It’s an important early work that helped William to establish himself as a leading artist of his generation. I’m delighted we can celebrate his work.
“The painting is now in its new home where it will be enjoyed by visitors to Castleford Library for years to come.”
Cllr Denise Jeffery
Leader of Wakefield Council
The work was originally displayed at Castleford Civic Centre in 1970 as part of an arts commissioning programme for the new building. It has been hanging there ever since until now.
William Selby said: “I was always inspired by Castleford. I painted what I liked about Castleford, its people. I am humbled that this painting of 54 years is still as important to the town of Castleford as it was to me then.”
The painting was transferred from the Civic Centre to Castleford Library following a request by the Friends of Castleford Library.
David Wilders, chair of the Friends of Castleford Library, said: “The painting needed a new home where a wider audience could rediscover it. The Library is a place where people can come and see it. We hope people will appreciate the skill of William Selby and what he wanted the painting to represent.”
The artwork is now part of Wakefield’s Permanent Art Collection. It is cared for by The Hepworth Wakefield.
The painting is significant to Castleford and the whole of Yorkshire, a celebration of our unique heritage.
It features six characters against an industrial urban landscape. A Roman legionary, a glass blower, a potter, a chemist, a coal miner, and a rugby player.
A spokesperson for The Hepworth Wakefield collections, said: “We’re delighted that this fascinating painting has been rediscovered.
“It is a wonderful moment to celebrate key elements of Castleford’s history. This includes its foundation as a Roman fort and civilian settlement, its key industries, and its sporting heritage.
“We’re so pleased to be working with Castleford Library to show the work on a long-term loan. Helping it to be enjoyed by the local community for years to come.”
The painting has been conserved and reframed. It is displayed in the library's local studies area with the Henry Moore sculpture and carving nearby.
The relocation of the work has been supported through the Council’s National Heritage Lottery Fund grant, Our Heritage, Our Stories.
For information:
William Selby was born in Fitzwilliam in 1933, the eldest son of a coal miner. He also worked in the coal mining industry from 1948-1955.
A self-taught artist, he is now recognised as one of the leading British colourists - a style of painting characterised by the use of intense colour. He gained membership to many prestigious societies, including: the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI) in 1982, Royal Society of British Artists (RBA) and Royal Watercolour Society (RWS) in 1992, and New English Art Club (NEAC) in 1994. Throughout his career, he has painted figures, still life and landscapes.
Cllr Jeffery is pictured with Ray Selby, nephew of William Selby. William was unable to attend. So Ray brought a self-portrait by William, painted at about the same time as Creators of Castleford