2023 case study- Skeletons: Our Buried Bones

It’s one of the most stunning, bold and thought-provoking exhibitions Leeds has ever seen.

Now one of the curators behind Leeds City Museum’s incredible new Skeletons: Our Buried Bones has backed the city’s bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2023.

Ruth Martin, the museum’s curator of exhibitions, has worked with colleagues from Leeds, the Museum of London and the Wellcome Collection to bring the spectacular exhibition together.

Featuring 12 historic skeletons recovered during excavations in Yorkshire and London, the exhibition explores more than 2,000 years of human history.

Ruth said hosting such a ground-breaking and important exhibition represents a huge statement of intent about Leeds’s cultural credentials.

She said: “Working with our colleagues in London to bring an exhibition of this scope and scale to Leeds says a lot about how highly regarded the city and its cultural offering are and hopefully that will further strengthen our 2023 bid.

“Museums and galleries play a hugely important role in challenging people’s perception, understanding and appreciation of art, culture and history and we’re very proud to be doing that with such a memorable and thought-provoking exhibition.

“What we hope is that people who visit will think not only about the people these skeletons once were, but also about their own place in time and the history and culture which exists all around us.”

As part of her backing the bid, Ruth has pledged to encourage her museums colleagues to spread the word about the Leeds bid on social media using #makeleeds2023.

Anyone can pledge their support, with other ideas for pledges including telling 23 family and friends about the bid or downloading a new Maker’s Manual, which includes creative ideas for how to get involved, from the Leeds 2023 website.

Sharon Watson, chair of the Leeds 2023 independent steering group, said: “The enthusiasm for the bid that we’ve already seen from people across Leeds has been truly inspiring and it’s clearer than ever that there’s an incredible passion for this once-in-a-generation opportunity for our city.

“With the all-important submission date now fast approaching, we’re keen to harness that collective energy and help spread the message that the bid is something that everyone, from every walk of life can be a part of.

“We’d urge as many people as possible to take this chance to get involved, pledge their support and help show the world that culture is at the absolute heart of Leeds and our communities.”

More details of how to pledge your support or where you can download a Maker’s Manual can be found at: http://leeds2023.co.uk/

For more details about Skeletons: Our Buried Bones, visit: http://www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/Pages/leedscitymuseum/Skeletons.aspx

ENDS