Take a walk on the dark side as museum celebrates goth culture

Visitors to Leeds City Museum can step into the shadows this weekend and explore the weird and wonderful world of Gothica.

This Saturday, the museum will celebrating Gothic literature, fashion and music through a series of eye-catching photos, stalls and installations from some of the pioneers of the city’s rich Goth culture.

Those attending will include Jumbo Records, Ultimate Skin Tattoos, Leeds Libraries and the West Yorkshire Playhouse costume department.

Photos depicting Goth culture and local landmarks have also been captured and submitted by people across Leeds and will be displayed in the museum’s Brodrick Hall.

Leeds Festival of Gothica organiser Elizabetta said: “Leeds sports some striking classic Gothic architecture and a thriving music scene that’s birthed some of the greatest Gothic musicians to date.

“The scene has never left Leeds, decades later you can still find seas of khol rimmed eyes and black lips gathered outside the Corn Exchange.

“As part of Leeds Festival of Gothica we are celebrating the scene through image and asking people to celebrate their Gothica.”

Museum-goers will also get the chance to see a dark and decadent display of local Gothic memorabilia in the museum’s new Sound Bites display, which explores the history of the Leeds music scene.

The display includes a look at famous Leeds Goth bands including Sisters of Mercy, Salvation and Red Lorry Yellow Lorry.

It also explores the goth DIY fashions perfected by X-clothes, one of the city’s first alternative shops.

Councillor Brian Selby, Leeds City Council’s executive member for museums and galleries, said: “It’s always wonderful to see events and exhibits which recognise the many cultures, trends and communities which each play a part in the landscape of Leeds.

“Our city has an amazing history of inclusiveness and celebrating difference and that’s reflected in both the colourful collection of objects we have on display and the vibrant city we live in today.”

Leeds Festival of Gothica takes place this Saturday from 11am until 4pm and is free to attend.

Sound Bites is on display until April 2018.

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact: Stuart Robinson

Communications Officer

Leeds City Council

Tel: 0113 378 9182 (please note my new number)

Email: stuart.robinson@leeds.gov.uk

www.leeds.gov.uk