A watercolour cityscape of Wakefield as seen from a series of allotments

Cynthia Kenny

Cynthia Kenny (1929 – 2021) is one of Wakefield’s most important artists. She observed and recorded the city’s changing landscape.

She was also a champion for art and culture in Wakefield from the 1950s. She was a founder member of Wakefield Art Club.

Kenny was a trustee of the Friends of Wakefield Art Gallery and Museum for many years. She also held an annual handwriting competition in Wakefield.

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An oil self-portrait of Cynthia Kenny in her trademark oranges, browns, blues and greens

Self-portrait, Cynthia Kenny, 1968

Admire a rare self-portrait of Cynthia Kenny in her trademark colours.

A watercolour painting of a bright yellow cornfield in the foreground and red brick colliery in the background against a blue sky

Cornfields at Walton, Cynthia Kenny, 1980

Many of the landscapes Kenny painted are now changed forever. As she painted this view, Walton Colliery was closing.

A watercolour painting of a cluster of old brick buildings as seen from their shared backyard

Dwellings, Station Passage, Cynthia Kenny, 1974

Kenny often painted backstreets and yards. She saw beauty in these hidden places.

A watercolour painting of the Wakefield cityscape as seen from a series of allotments

Allotments, Eastmoor, Cynthia Kenny, 1983

Kenny frequently painted the city from a distant viewpoint. She was captivated by Wakefield’s iconic skyline.

A person looking at an artwork by Cynthia Kenny

Film: Cynthia Kenny: A city framed, 2025

Watch a film about the life and work of Cynthia Kenny. Featuring interviews with Kenny’s friends, colleagues, and contemporaries.