Leeds Central Library Seeks Local Contributions for Historic Exhibition
July 1, 2026Residents invited to share personal items for Leeds 400 celebration
Leeds Central Library has launched a call for local people to contribute photographs, mementos, and family heirlooms to a new exhibition marking 400 years since Leeds was granted its first City Charter by King Charles I. The exhibition, opening in September 2026, aims to showcase the city’s rich history through a combination of heritage items and personal stories from residents.
Exhibition to feature historic and contemporary collections
The upcoming display will include a selection of artefacts from the library’s special collections alongside images from the Leodis archive, which contains photographs and artworks documenting Leeds over the centuries. One notable image is a 1970 photograph titled “Butch and Mates,” depicting children playing outside terraced houses on Servia Hill.
Librarians hope such images will encourage people to explore their own family albums and memorabilia to find objects that reflect what Leeds means to them personally. Contributions can include:
- Photographs
- Stories
- Artwork
- Fanzines
These items should capture significant moments, people, or community experiences related to the city.
Historic items to be displayed alongside personal contributions
The exhibition will also feature important historical documents and items from the library’s collection, including:
- A microfilmed archive relating to Mary Gawthorpe, a pioneering Leeds feminist
- A unique copy of Ralph Thoresby’s Ducatus Leodiensis, considered the first written history of Leeds
- Tickets from concerts and performances by notable acts
- Fanzines created by local football and sports fans
Part of wider Leeds 400 city celebrations
The exhibition forms a key part of the Leeds 400 programme, which commemorates the 1626 granting of the City Charter. Councillor Asghar Khan, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing and hubs, highlighted the importance of community involvement in the celebrations, stating that Leeds has been shaped by its diverse communities over centuries.
How to contribute
Residents interested in sharing their stories, photographs, or objects for the exhibition are encouraged to contact Leeds Central Library by emailing localandfamilyhistory@leeds.gov.uk.
Further details about Leeds 400 and the full events programme are available at Leeds 400 – A Year of Celebration.
