Over the last 35 years Leeds Civic Trust has installed over 180 blue plaques throughout the city. They’ve stood proudly through wind and rain on some of our most iconic buildings but some are showing sings of wear and tear and could do with some much needed TLC.
We’re therefore appealing to the people of Leeds to let us know if there’s a plaque near you in need of restoration – and you could be in with an opportunity of unveiling that plaque once it’s back to its former glory!
The Leeds Civic Trust Historic Blue Plaques scheme is one of the largest in the country. We are proud of the people, places and events whose stories have been recorded for posterity thanks to around 50 words on an aluminium disc. Over the next few months, we have some exciting new plaques to unveil as we edge closer to awarding our 200th blue plaque, but we’re also keen to make sure that all our plaques look as though they are fresh from the foundry.
As we saw in the uproar and condemnation following the theft of David Oluwale’s blue plaque – the people of Leeds are protective and love their blue plaques. With plaques spread across the city we have relied on the kindness of our volunteers and members of the public to be our eyes and ears for many years, alerting us of any damaged plaques or those looking a little tatty.
If a plaque is lost we will replace it, or more commonly if the paint becomes damaged (often because of the combination of direct sunshine and air pollution), we will sent it back to the foundry for refurbishment.
With this in mind, we are inviting members of the public to nominate blue plaques that are in need of TLC, will then look through the nominations and select six that are particularly in need of attention.
We will undertake to restore the plaque, but the person who nominated the plaque for restoration will have an opportunity to take on the role of unveiler or nominate a friend or relative to take on this role when the plaque is returned looking ship shape once more.
Some of these plaques have been in situ for more than 30 years. In the meantime, many will have forgotten “the story behind the plaque” – in some cases there may be new facts that have emerged about the plaque which were unknown at the time of unveiling. So, as well as unveiling the plaque, we will take the opportunity to re-tell the story.
Leeds Civic Trust Director Martin Hamilton said “The blue plaques of Leeds belong to the people of Leeds, so it is only right that they have a say in which blue plaques should be restored. It is also a great opportunity to remind people why we unveiled the plaque in the first place.”
So, if you want to get involved and show your local plaques some love, please send us a suggestion of a Leeds Civic Trust Blue Plaque that could do with restoration. The deadline for entries is 28th March, following which we will select the six plaques. Entries can be emailed to us at office@leedscivictrust.org.uk
