Skip to main content
Menu

Wallfest: Barbara Phipps Talk on Charles Waterton

Free
Saturday 23 May 2026
Start time:2:30PM - End time: 2:30PM
DATE: Saturday 23 May 2026
Start time:2:30PM - End time: 2:30PM
PRICE: Free
AGE RANGE:
Families
Adults
Ticketing

No booking required - just turn up and enjoy!

Discover more about Wakefield's  pioneering naturalist whose ideas influenced Charles Darwin.

Barbara Phipps will give a fascinating talk on Charles Waterton, the pioneering naturalist whose ideas influenced Charles Darwin and later inspired Sir David Attenborough.

Attenborough described Waterton as:

 “one of the first people anywhere to recognise not only that the natural world was of great importance, but that it needed protection as humanity made more and more demands on it” (Wakefield Express, 23 February 2013).

Barbara has a long personal connection to Walton. She explains:

“I lived in Walton as a child, so from an early age I was aware of Charles Waterton as the eccentric taxidermist, but my knowledge went no further than that. In 2000 I moved back to the village and became increasingly interested in its history, which eventually led to me writing a book about the life of its once-famous squire.”

Her talk explores what inspired Waterton to build a nine‑foot wall around his parkland, creating within it the world’s first nature reserve. The talk offers fresh insight into the ideas and actions that underpin Helen Riddle’s artwork, and there will be time afterwards to revisit the exhibition and view the work with new perspectives.

This event is in partnership with Wallfest

Wallfest: Barbara Phipps Talk on Charles Waterton
1 / 1

Wallfest

The Galactic Gathering Sci Fi Comic Con & Collectors Fair

The Galactic Gathering Sci Fi Comic Con & Collectors Fair

Sunday 3 May 2026
Start time:10AM - End time: 4PM

Calling all bounty hunters...join the hunt for an out of this world experience!

More Info
Motown Night

Motown Night

Saturday 15 August 2026
Start time:7PM - End time: 10.30PM

Join Motown Gospel Choir for a night of Motown music like you've never heard it before...

More Info
Luke Jerram's Helios

Luke Jerram's Helios

Friday 12 June - Sunday 6 September 2026
Start time:10AM - End time: 4PM

Step inside Helios at Wakefield Exchange this summer and experience a breathtaking, larger‑than‑life encounter with the Sun, surrounded by free, family‑friendly space activities for all ages.

More Info
Dino Disco Day

Dino Disco Day

Friday 29 May 2026
Start time:10AM - End time: 4PM

Don your dino suits and get ready to shake your tail (feathers) at the Dino Disco!

More Info

Plan your visit

Placed conveniently in the heart of the city, WX is the perfect place to meet friends, make memories with family, attend an event, or grab a bite to eat or drink. 

There are multiple ways you can reach Wakefield Exchange by clicking on the link.

More