This large oil painting depicting the industrial and cultural heritage of the town painted by William Selby in 1970 was part of an art competition run by the Castleford Urban Council for the opening of the Civic Centre in 1970.
The restored painting ‘Creators of Castleford’ was unveiled in its new location the local studies department by leader of the Council Denise Jeffery and the artist’s nephew Ray Selby on the 10th of October 2024.
Cllr Jeffery said: “It is great to see this stunning painting that’s been fully restored. It highlights Castleford’s proud heritage through the ages."
“It’s an important early work that helped William to establish himself as a leading artist of his generation. I’m delighted we can celebrate his work."
“The painting is now in its new home where it will be enjoyed by visitors to Castleford Library for years to come.”
William Selby said: “I was always inspired by Castleford. I painted what I liked about Castleford, its people. I am humbled that this painting of 54 years is still as important to the town of Castleford as it was to me then.”
The painting was transferred from the Civic Centre to Castleford Library following a request by the Friends of Castleford Library.
David Wilders, chair of the Friends of Castleford Library, said: “The painting needed a new home where a wider audience could rediscover it. The library is a place where people can come and see it. We hope people will appreciate the skill of William Selby and what he wanted the painting to represent.”    

The artwork is now part of Wakefield’s Permanent Art Collection. It is cared for by The Hepworth Wakefield. The painting is significant to Castleford and the whole of Yorkshire, a celebration of our unique heritage.  It features six characters against an industrial urban landscape. A Roman legionary, a glass blower, a potter, a chemist, a coal miner, and a rugby player. 
 A spokesperson for The Hepworth Wakefield collections said: “We are delighted that this fascinating painting has been rediscovered." “We are so pleased to be working with Castleford Library to show the work on a long-term loan - helping it to be enjoyed by the local community for years to come.”   

The relocation of the work has been a joint effort by Friends of Castleford Library, library staff, Wakefield Council Arts, Heritage, Culture department, The Hepworth and a Council’s National Heritage Lottery Fund grant: Our Heritage, Our Stories. 
William Selby was born in Fitzwilliam in 1933, the eldest son of a coal miner. He also worked in the coal mining industry from 1948-1955. A self-taught artist, he is now recognised as one of the leading British colourists - a style of painting characterised using intense colour.  He gained membership to many prestigious societies, including: the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI) in 1982, Royal Society of British Artists (RBA) and Royal Watercolour Society (RWS) in 1992, and New English Art Club (NEAC) in 1994. Throughout his career, he has painted figures, still life and landscapes.