Wakefield Civic Art Collection rediscovered

Rediscovering our shared stories.

Many of Wakefield’s public buildings have paintings and photographs of former dignitaries on display. You might walk past them every day. But how often have you really looked at them and thought about the stories behind the faces?

The 'Our Heritage, Our Stories' project has been exploring this collection of civic art. Volunteers from Wakefield Historical Society have researched some of the paintings. They have discovered fascinating stories about people who contributed to public life.

These stories tell the wider history of social history in the district. Stories of local democracy, industrial development and social change. Stories of personal achievement, innovation, ambition and personal tragedy.

Storyteller and podcaster Beccy Dye has worked with the volunteers to share these stories. Together they have recorded stories connected to a selection of the artworks.