Wakefield Council contacted Wakefield Historical Society to ask us if we would be prepared to research artworks held by the Council, which had recently been evaluated by a professional assessor. She had been appointed on a freelance basis to fully audit Wakefield’s collection of civic art (photographs, measurements, media etc), and to initiate and report on initial research findings (i.e. identity of the sitters & artists, historical significance of these works). This was part of a longer-term initiative led by Wakefield Council’s heritage officer and the museums team to gain a better understanding of this collection. Some information had been gleaned about some of the subjects, but there was no information about others.
A research group has been set up and is in the process of discovering information about these diverse artworks and how they came into the Council’s possession. With over 50 artworks to research, the group are holding regular meetings to discuss progress and exchange information.