Key details
A trail showcasing Halifax landmarks, and new, specially-commissioned art installations.
Funded by the UK Government.
Current status
On this page
Plans
We’re creating the Art and About Trail, to guide visitors around Halifax landmarks and a series of specially commissioned, new art installations.
We’re working with local creatives and stakeholders to create artworks, commemorative plaques, and supporting materials. The trail will guide people around the town centre, highlighting Halifax’s unique history, culture and art along the way.
The Art and About Trail
Each point on the trail will feature on a new map produced by local illustrator Talya Baldwin, working with writer Will Lake. The trail will feature commemorative plaques and QR codes so visitors can learn more about each location.
The trail includes:
The Island of Ferns
Award-winning poet and writer Ian Humphreys created "The Island of Ferns", which has been engraved on locally sourced Yorkshire stone.
You can find the poem engraving, designed by Artist David Armes, on a stone plinth outside Central Library and Archives and the eastern approach to The Piece Hall. The artwork commemorates Halifax war hero David Moffatt, one of the Cockleshell Heroes involved in Operation Frankton.
Halifax Central Library
A curated a display telling the story of the Cockleshell Heroes will be on display in the library.
Woolshops
New benches etched with words from Halifax’s wool and textile heritage.
The Cragg Vale Coiners
Illustrator Talya Baldwin has collaborated on the installation marking the meeting place of the Cragg Vale Coiners at Old Cock Yard. The artwork features paving inlaid with bespoke coins.
Cheapside
Sculptor Bryan Tweddle has designed bespoke bollards with cat head finials and cat’s eye details. The artwork commemorates Percy Shaw’s famous invention of reflective road studs.
Halifax The Town That Is
Andy Abbott and Michael Powell album length production is the focal point of the installation at Halifax Town Hall. Halifax The Town That Is includes music, field recordings, spoken word, and the voices of Halifax citizens in a 40-minute sonic celebration of the Town Hall and civic life in the town.
A modern moquette
Artist Harriet Fletcher has worked with the local community to produce a modern moquette. The woven fabric used to cover seating on public transport is part of Calderdale’s history, first produced in Halifax by John Holdsworth & Co. in 1822, and exported around the world. The new moquette, extensively researched, and created with contributions from more than 100 people is on display at Halifax Bus Station.
…and much more
Commemorative plaques will draw attention to heritage points-of-interest and landmarks:
- Halifax Train Station
- Duke of Wellington Regiment Memorial
- Borough Market Wyverns
- Borough Market Clocktower
- Streets in the Sky
- Victoria Theatre
- Somerset House
- Burton Building
- Sion Chapel and Sunday School
- Halifax Minster
Local suppliers
We’re aiming to collaborate with local businesses wherever possible. So far, we’ve worked with:
- Halifax based stonemasons Scribblestone,
- British Recycled Plastics: Calderdale business providing sustainable outdoor furniture and landscaping products,
- Hargreaves Foundry, based in Halifax, and
- Camira Fabrics, based in West Yorkshire.
Benefits
Economic growth
We’re creating opportunities for Halifax's high street to grow and thrive. These changes will enhance Halifax town centre and help to increase footfall.
Visitor economy
We're making changes to increase visitors to Halifax town centre.
Heritage and culture
We’re delivering a trail that celebrates Halifax’s heritage, culture and local artists.
Active travel
We’re creating opportunities for people to explore Halifax town centre by walking, wheeling, and cycling.
Education
We’re providing opportunities for people to learn more about Halifax's unique history.
Progress
April 2026
New benches etched with words from Halifax’s wool and textile heritage installed at Woolshops.
11 November 2025
The first Art and About Trail installation is now in place outside Halifax Central Library. The installation features a poem engraving to commemorate Halifax war hero, Marine David Moffatt, one of the Cockleshell Heroes involved in Operation Frankton in 1942.
Award-winning poet and writer Ian Humphreys created "The Island of Ferns", which has been engraved on locally sourced Yorkshire stone.
27 August 2025
Halifax Bus Station to be home to the first Art and About trail installation.
March 2024
We've appointed local artist Talya Baldwin to create the illustrations for the Art and About Trail map.
We're working in partnership with Everybody Arts to develop public art commissions for the trail. As part of this project, they are working with the local community to design a new moquette fabric to be displayed at Halifax Bus Station. For more information including how you can get involved, visit the Everybody Arts website.
Funding
Approximate scheme value: £800K.
This project was made possible through funding from:
