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Cynthia Kenny: A city framed

Three adults sat on outdoors-inspired seating in the centre of the Cynthia Kenny gallery, with landscape and architectural buildings framed against deep blue walls

Cynthia Kenny: A city framed
Wakefield Museum
Now open until 20 June 2026
Normal opening times
Free entry - no booking required

Celebrate the life and work of local artist, Cynthia Kenny (1929-2021), and explore our changing city through her eyes.

Cynthia Kenny studied at Wakefield Art College and was an active member of the local artistic community. She became a celebrated and much-loved artist. From the 1960s to 2000s, Cynthia captured Wakefield with her paintbrush and pen.

An oil painting of a woman in her 40s. She has shoulder-length wavy red strawberry blonde hair, pale skin, olive eyes and red lipstick. She is wearing a quietly determined expression
'Self Portrait', Cynthia Kenny (1968)

Her works include rural landscapes, city skylines and studies of backyards and buildings. The evocative images cover iconic views and well-known landmarks, as well as hidden gems. Together they paint an intimate picture of a changing local landscape.

Watercolour painting of the Wakefield cityscape from Heath Common, with trees and greenery in the foreground, residential buildings and then municipal buildings and the Cathedral in the background. It is painted in Kenny's characteristic shades of green, orange and blue.
'City Landscape at Heath Common, Wakefield', Cynthia Kenny (1992).
[Wakefield Council Permanent Art Collection, The Hepworth Wakefield]

Spend some time in Cynthia’s Wakefield. What memories will the paintings spark? Put yourself in the picture and share your favourite local spots and viewpoints. 

Two adults placing building-themed wooden blocks to create a scene in an open frame, with Kenny's paintings hung on the wall behind

See Wakefield in a new light and be inspired to re-explore the city we call home.

A map of Wakefield with markers and handwritten notes by visitors. There is a map on the wall in the background showing the locations of Kenny's paintings.

The artworks are also brought to life by a new soundscape, created by artist Michelle Duxbury. Her recordings from the city to evoke a day in the life of Cynthia’s Wakefield. Duxbury has also recorded creative audio descriptions for several of the exhibition’s star works.

Cornfields at Walton (Walton Colliery), Cynthia Kenny (1980). 
Creative audio description by Michelle Duxbury.

Visitors can also find out more about Kenny’s influence and legacy. With an exclusive new film by Nick Singleton featuring interviews with Kenny’s friends, colleagues, and contemporaries.

Two adults wearing headphones attached to an audio-visual screen playing a video about Cynthia Kenny

The exhibition also reveals how Cynthia Kenny continues to inspire artists today, showcasing new photography by members of the Wakefield Museums and Castles Youth Forum. 

A group of young people and adult facilitators on the corner of King Street, Wakefield, on a rainy day
Members of the Youth Forum on their walk around Wakefield, taking photos for the exhibition. 
Photo by Nick Singleton.

Paintings digitally reproduced with the kind permission of the Cynthia Kenny estate and Wakefield Council Permanent Art Collection (The Hepworth Wakefield).

Full visitor and access information for Wakefield Museum

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