Leeds Illustrator Megan Dobbyn Discusses Her Creative Work

October 27, 2025 Off By

Local artist shares insights on community projects and inspirations

Megan Dobbyn, a freelance illustrator based in Leeds, recently spoke about her creative practice, community involvement, and artistic inspirations as part of Leeds Heritage Theatres’ Wintertime celebrations. Dobbyn has been involved in producing a series of festive illustrations for the event and is known for organising and teaching community art sessions.

Background and Creative Practice

Dobbyn credits her upbringing for her career choice, noting that her father was a full-time illustrator and her parents supported her decision to pursue a degree in illustration. She studied at Leeds Arts University and began conducting voluntary workshops during her studies. After graduating, she took on commissions and continued to develop her practice, particularly during the lockdown period.

Community Workshops and Projects

Her work includes leading workshops for diverse groups, such as a lino printing programme with Headingley OWLS (Older Wiser Local Seniors) and collaborative creative projects with local primary schools. One such project involved creating a mural on Neville Street in partnership with Hunslet St Mary’s Primary School. Dobbyn emphasises the value of collaborative creativity and the confidence it can foster in participants.

Views on Education and Creative Expression

Dobbyn believes creative expression is a crucial part of education, providing agency and inclusion in learning. She expressed concern that formal education systems often undervalue creativity and visual arts. She highlighted the interdisciplinary potential of visual arts, such as designing historical posters or integrating patterns into mathematics lessons.

Notable Projects and Inspirations

One of Dobbyn’s notable projects was a commission for the British Library’s Breaking the News exhibition, which toured various UK locations including Leeds. Her work for the Leeds exhibition was research-led, drawing on news collections from Leeds Central Library and focusing on independent press as a form of resistance.

Her artistic inspiration comes from protest art, particularly posters used in social movements, as well as the arts and crafts movement. She has a particular interest in William Morris and enjoys drawing Victorian heritage buildings such as The Grand theatre in Leeds.

Future Aspirations and Favourite Venues

Dobbyn teaches linocutting but has expressed an interest in exploring woodcut techniques, especially medieval and gothic styles. Regarding her favourite local venues, she singled out Hyde Park Picture House, appreciating the recent restoration that reinstated original features like the terrazzo floor. She also shared an interesting historical anecdote about the venue, mentioning that a real elephant once visited in 1959 to promote the film The Big Hunt.

Among performances she has seen at Leeds Heritage Theatres venues, Dobbyn highlighted Northern Ballet’s Merlin as particularly memorable, as well as the production Bat Out of Hell.