City's rhubarb heritage on show at Hepworth Wakefield

Photographer Martin Parr has spent the last 12 months capturing the work of rhubarb growers in Wakefield, Rothwell and Morley.

His images show all stages of the process from planting and picking the rhubarb by candlelight to eating the vegetable in sweet and savoury dishses.

Simon Wallis, The Hepworth’s director, said: “I am delighted that this new compendium of powerful and memorable images, which explores Yorkshire’s fascinating Rhubarb Triangle, will not only be on display in the heartland of this quintessential British food, but that ten works from this new commission will also enter Wakefield’s art collection.”

The exhibition features more than 300 photos taken by Parr over 40 years.

It includes images of rural communities in Yorkshire, the new middle classes of the 1980s, and autoportraits of Parr himself.

The Rhubarb Triangle and Other Stories is at the gallery, during its fifth anniversary year until June 12. It coincides with Wakefield’s annual rhubarb festival, which takes place from February 19 to 21.

The festival includes live rhubarb recipe cookery demonstrations from local and national chefs, including TV cook Peter Sidwell. There will also be a food and craft market, street entertainment, workshops and taster sessions.

For more information visit www.wakefield.gov.uk