Wakefield Museums and Castles

Ebb and Flow by Annie Harrison

Annie Harrison is an artist from West Yorkshire. In 2021-2022 she walked along the river network to Hull. The walk took her along the Calder and Aire through Castleford. 

Annie collected plants, stories and impressions along the way. She created artworks inspired by the landscape. See the paintings, prints, and pieces she created in response.

Follow her journey of discovery. Find out how the river became her trusted companion.  

Making their mark

Find out how a local art teacher made her mark.  

Alice Gostick taught art in Castleford in the early 1900s. She ran classes about hand decorating pottery. It sparked a trend across the country. 

In Castleford talented craftswomen painted pots in a rainbow of colours and patterns.

Today, students from Alice's old school are keeping the tradition alive. They took inspiration from the intricate work of five local painters. See their colourful creations alongside the original pots. 

Look out for the painters' unique maker's marks.  

Reight Neet Aht

Explore the surprising story of Castleford’s unique Reight Neet Aht. The town held its star-studded marbles contest from 1936-1958. The charity gala raised money for hospitals and good causes.   

The event attracted attention from famous faces around the world. Find out which stage, screen and sporting stars brought the glitz and glamour to Cas.   

Get dressed up for your own game of marbles. Leave us a message in our special Reight Neet Aht guest book.

Raising champions

Celebrate Castleford Academy's incredible record in girls' rugby league. 

See some of the many cups and medals from the school's trophy cabinet. Marvel at their impressive honours board. 

Find out about past students who made it to the sport's highest level. Hear what rugby league means to them.  

Be inspired to follow in their footsteps. Take a celebration selfie with our museum trophy!