Announcing Tall Paul Kelly as The Hepworth Wakefield Print Fair Prize Winner 2024

The Prize, open to all artists and collectives participating in The Hepworth Wakefield Print Fair, which took place in March 2024, was devised as part of the gallery’s work to support artists at all stages of their career.

Kelly began his screenprinted poster series in lockdown, when he moved back to Yorkshire from London, to highlight the beauty of Yorkshire landscapes. His work draws on the timeless charm of tourism posters and commercial art in general, with bold colours, striking compositions and evocative imagery that transport viewers to another place. Kelly enjoys adding hidden visual puns to his designs to capture the essence of a place, inviting viewers to discover the magic within the landscape.

Kelly said:

‘I’m over the moon to win the Print Fair Prize and showcase my work at The Hepworth Wakefield! The gallery and its stunning garden are always a source of inspiration so having my art displayed there is an honour. It’s more than an exhibition though—it’s a nod to the gallery’s commitment to nurturing emerging artists like myself, making it a true gem of the North.’

Clare Bridge, The Hepworth Wakefield’s Retail Buyer and Product Developer said:

‘We are obsessed with Tall Paul Kelly’s travel style posters celebrating our beautiful Yorkshire landscape in bright and bold colours. We think Kelly’s work will appeal to audiences visiting the gallery and garden and look forward to seeing his exhibition in The Hepworth Wakefield café this September.’

Alongside the café exhibition, Kelly’s prints will be available to purchase from the gallery shop. Kelly will also create a limited-edition screenprint, exclusive to The Hepworth Wakefield.

You can view more of Tall Paul Kelly’s work on his website.

Header image: Paul Kelly pictured at The Hepworth Wakefield Print Fair, March 2024. Photograph by Joanne Crawford