Library calls on Leeds locals to help them write a new chapter in city’s story

The exhibition will open this September and will feature a selection of heritage treasures from the library’s special collections as well as a series of compelling images of Leeds captured by artists and photographers over the centuries and chosen from the library’s vast Leodis archive.

They include striking scenes from the past such as an image from 1970 entitled simply “Butch and Mates”, which shows a group of unknown children playing out in front of rows of terraced houses located in Servia Hill.

Librarians hope the image and others they are sharing will spur people to raid their own family albums and memorabilia collections and put forward objects which best encapsulate what Leeds means to them.

Contributions could include photographs, stories, artwork or fanzines which capture important moments and people or which hold a deep personal or community meaning.

Antony Ramm, Leeds Central Library’s special collections librarian, said: “Leeds 400 is all about bringing the history and heritage of Leeds to life and commemorating one of the defining moments in the city’s long story.

“But it’s also about the many people, events and communities who, through the ages, have contributed to making Leeds such a unique and remarkable place in millions of small but significant ways.

“For this exhibition what we’d really love is for people to share some of those personal moments and memories which define what Leeds really means to them so they can be part of celebrating this very special year.”

Among the historic treasures which will form part of the exhibition will be a microfilmed collection of material from the life and career of pioneering Leeds feminist Mary Gawthorpe and a one-of-a-kind copy of Ralph Thoresby’s Ducatus Leodiensis, known as the first written history of Leeds.

They will be displayed along with some of the more modern objects from the library’s collection, including tickets to gigs and performances by famous acts and a selection of fascinating fanzines created by football and sports fans from around the region.

The exhibition will be a key part of city-wide celebrations for Leeds 400 which commemorates four centuries since the very first Leeds City Charter was bestowed on the city in 1626.

Councillor Asghar Khan, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing and hubs, said: “It’s wonderful that the library is playing such an important part in celebrating Leeds 400 and giving local people the chance to be involved in marking such a historic occasion for the whole city.

“Leeds has been built by the many vibrant and diverse communities who have made the city their home over the centuries and by exploring and sharing their stories and memories, we can showcase exactly why this is such an incredible place.”

People are being asked to share their stories, objects and photographs ahead of the exhibition by emailing localandfamilyhistory@leeds.gov.uk 

More information about Leeds 400 and the events programme can also be found at: Welcome to Leeds 400 – A Year of Celebration | Culture Programmes

ENDS