Louisa Fennell (1847–1930) was a talented Wakefield watercolour artist whose paintings captured buildings, landscapes and landmarks across Yorkshire and beyond. At a time when women faced considerable barriers in the art world, Louisa established a distinguished artistic career and left an important visual record of Wakefield’s history.
Louisa Fennell’s Early Life and Artistic Career
Louisa was born on 30 September 1847 to William and Mary Fennell (née White).
She showed an early talent for art and, in 1865, aged just 18, received a First Class Medal at the Wakefield Industrial and Fine Art Exhibition.
Louisa entered art school not long afterwards and embarked on what would become a distinguished artistic career, despite the fewer opportunities available to women in the male-dominated art world.
Like her father, Louisa appears to have been a keen diarist. She often wrote about her visits to different parts of the UK and Europe, recording the places she visited and what inspired her.
Louisa was a private person who preferred to let her work and talent speak for her rather than attending rallies and political meetings. Nevertheless, her achievements made her an important figure in the history of women in the arts.
Louisa’s work was exhibited at the Royal Society of British Artists’ Suffolk Street Gallery in London. However, although the Society accepted paintings by women, female artists were not eligible for membership. Her success was therefore achieved despite the restrictions placed on women in the Victorian art world.
She continued painting into her later years and died aged 82 from a heart condition.
Louisa’s sister, Emily Esther Fennell, also made an important contribution to Wakefield’s history through her work with the Wakefield Blind Society. You can read more about Emily on our Emily Fennell and Edith Wright page.
Louisa Fennell’s Wakefield Blue Plaque
Louisa is Blue Plaque Number 1 in our campaign for Blue Plaque Parity.
We unveiled Louisa’s blue plaque during Heritage Week at The Hepworth in 2019.
Louisa Fennell Broadsheets
Discover more about Louisa’s life, her forgotten history and her remarkable artistic achievements in our free downloadable broadsheets.
The Louisa Fennell Walking Trail
Louisa painted many notable landmarks across Wakefield, and a surprising number of them can still be seen today.
With the support of Wakefield Council, Wakefield Civic Society and numerous building owners, we created a walking trail that allows visitors to explore the city and compare familiar places with the scenes Louisa painted.
Special information panels and pavement decals help guide visitors along the route. Trail maps are also available at local information points, including Wakefield Library.
Much of the artwork for the trail was created by artist and Dream Time Creative co-leader Shannon S. Wishon.
Discover Wakefield through Louisa’s eyes!
Follow the Louisa Fennell Walking Trail to explore the locations, discover her paintings and learn more about the artist behind them.
Creative Response: Louisa Fennell and the Royal Society
This ten-minute dramatised film explores the barriers Louisa faced as a woman in the Victorian art world, alongside the encouragement she received from her father and the importance of their relationship to her artistic career.
Through imagined conversations inspired by Louisa’s life, the play brings her achievements, frustrations and determination to life.
Press and Further Information
Louisa Fennell Trail, Wakefield (trinitywalk.com)
Wakefield artist to get blue plaque | Yorkshire Post
Blazing a trail for artist whose works show Wakefield’s past | Yorkshire Post
Trail of work by Wakefield watercolour artist Louisa Fennell shows city’s past a century ago
Wakefield Express: Wakefield launch of Louisa Fennell Multi-Language Walking Trail book a success