Events

The remarkable story of Leeds suffragette Leonora Cohen – Jacki & Bob Lawrence

Thursday, 10 December 2020, 7 PM

Hunger striker, Trades Unionist, feminist and magistrate – discover suffragette Leonora Cohen's inspirational story. Known as the “Tower Suffragette” after smashing a display case in the Tower of London – not the first act of defiance to land her in prison. She was to become a Trade Unionist and, ironically, a Magistrate. Her long life (she lived to 105) even enabled her to witness the “second wave” of feminism in the 70s. Leonora Cohen is one of several campaigners to feature in our new publication about Leeds Civic Trust Blue Plaques in Leeds. Click here to reserve your ticket.

 

Sax Appeal: Ivy Benson & Her All-Girls Band – with Janet Tennant

Wednesday, 2 December 2020, 7 PM

This online talk will look at the influences on Benson’s life that made her the most successful female bandleader of her generation, including her Yorkshire roots, the war and male chauvinism. Was she an instigator of ‘girl power’ as some believe, or an astute business woman with a keen eye for an opportunity? Click here to reserve your ticket.

 

Click on the heading or image to watch the video on YouTube:

Montague Burton: Tailor of Taste

Wednesday, 5 August, 7 PM

Tracing his footsteps from improverished door to door hawker to creator of the world's largest clothing empire, Jacki and Bob Lawrence present an illustrated history of the life and times of the UK's most famous manufacturer and retailer of Mens Wholesale Clothing in the 20th century, Montague Burton.

Leeds in Sculpture: a Virtual Tour

Wednesday, 29 July 2020, 7 PM

Join Civic Trust Director Martin Hamilton for a virtual tour of the city of Leeds through its sculpture, statues and monuments: the city's representation in physical form.  This will also be an opportunity to reflect on who and what we represent in sculptural form and consider why these choices are made.

Lockdown Lowdown with Kully Thiarai – Creative Director of Leeds 2023

Wednesday, 29 July 2020, 11 AM

In a special one-off "lockdown lowdown" interview, Civic Trust Director Martin Hamilton is in conversation with Leeds 2023 Creative Director Kully Tharai – finding out how she, her team and her board are addressing the new challenges in delivering a truly special cultural festival for Leeds.

A Stranger’s Guide to Leeds in 1830 – Dr Kevin Grady

Wednesday, 15 July 2020, 6pm

A visitor from London arrives in Leeds to gather information for a talk he is giving to his local Literary and Philosophical Society. During his stay he will meet some Leeds personalities and discuss the issues of the day. In this ‘Tardis-type tour through time’, using a profusion of contemporary illustrations Kevin Grady will recreate Leeds and its buildings and streets in 1830.

Blue Plaques of Leeds: The Next Collection – Dr Kevin Grady

Monday, 26 October 2020, 7 PM

We are delighted to announce the publication of Blue Plaques of Leeds: The Next Collection, our second book devoted to the Trust’s Blue Plaques scheme. Co-author Dr Kevin Grady will be giving an illustrated online talk, highlighting some of the fascinating people, places and events that are included in this long-awaited new edition. In all, 98 blue plaques are covered in this 160 page volume - we will, of course, be telling you how you can purchase your copy of this new publication!  Click here to reserve your ticket.

 

Heritage Open Days is Here!

Friday 11 until Sunday 20 September

It's back; the countries largest heritage festival. With over 50 events happening here in Leeds, there really is something for everyone, all from the comfort of your own home.  This year, the festival will be going ‘digital’ for the first time in its 25 year history enabling more people than ever to participate in virtual walks, talks and tours.

Take a look at our dedicated listing page here, and tune into a host of virtual events from home. Or visit the national site heritageopendays.org.uk to see a full list of events happening locally and nationally.

As the local Heritage Open Days coordinator, the Leeds Civic Trust has been amazed at the response of volunteers, local historians, creatives and guides to take the challenges posed during these last few months to devise an exciting, thoughtful and imaginative programme of events.

 

The Leeds Cross in its Historical Context – Prof Joyce Hill

Wednesday, 16 September 2020, 7 PM

Professor Joyce Hill, an international authority on the transmission of Christian culture in early medieval Europe, presents an online talk about one of the city’s greatest treasures – the 10th-Century Leeds Cross which stands proudly in Leeds Minster. This event is part of this year's Heritage Open Days festival.

 

The End of an Era: a history of mining in Leeds – Michael Meadowcroft

Thursday, 17 September 2020, 7 PM

In 1935 almost 4,000 Leeds men were employed in mining; today it is just a handful. The city has a long history of coal mining but the last deep mine, Allerton Bywater, closed in March 1992. Michael Meadowcroft's illustrated talk will trace the chequered history of an industry that was once so crucial to the development of the city of Leeds. This event is part of this year's Heritage Open Days festival.