Wakefield’s art collection is now in the care of The Hepworth Wakefield and forms the core of the permanent collection displays. At the heart of the collection is a significant group of work by modern British artists including, most notably, Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore who were both born in the Wakefield district. From its foundation in 1923, the original Wakefield Art Gallery adopted an ambitious collecting policy with a core aim to nurture an understanding of contemporary art. Works by the leading artists of the time, who have become synonymous with shaping modern British art, were collected, including Ivon Hitchens, Paul Nash, Victor Pasmore and John Piper.

Displays focus on collection works such as Hepworth’s 'Mother and Child' (1934) and Moore’s 'Reclining Figure' (1936). Although two thirds of the collection displays are comprised of collection works we cannot guarantee that a particular work will be on display so please contact the gallery in advance of your visit.