Get to know our oral histories intern Sakshi…
Welcome to the Trust, Sakshi! It would be great to know a bit about you…
Hi! I’m Sakshi Sharma, originally from India, and I’m currently studying for a Master’s in Arts Management and Heritage Studies at the University of Leeds. I have an academic background in Archaeology, and my interests span a wide (and slightly eclectic!) range — from religious histories, oral traditions, ethnography, and folk cultures, to even biology, particularly gynaecology, which I find fascinating from both a cultural and historical perspective.
What about the Trust appealed to you? Were you already familiar with our work?
What initially appealed to me about Leeds Civic Trust was its focus on heritage and place-based storytelling. The oral histories project, collecting and preserving local voices felt meaningful and aligned with the kind of work I hope to do.
I wasn’t fully aware of the Trust’s work at first, but looking back, I realise I had already encountered it without knowing. When I arrived in Leeds in September 2024, one of the first things I noticed were the blue plaques on University of Leeds buildings. Later, during a class discussion on heritage, we talked about these plaques, but I still didn’t know they were created by Leeds Civic Trust.
It was only while preparing for my interview for the internship here that I discovered the Trust was behind them. That realisation made it feel like a full-circle moment: from noticing the plaques as a newcomer, to learning about them in class, to now being part of the organisation that brings them to life.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not at Wharf Street?
Honestly, what I enjoy most is simply lying in bed and getting lost in a good book or video, whether it’s about historical facts, murder mysteries, or a light-hearted rom-com. I also love sketching when I get the time. That said, I’m still a student, so these days I have to drag myself away from all of that and focus on writing my dissertation.
If you could invite three Blue Plaque recipients to a dinner party, who would they be and why? In which of our buildings with a blue plaque would you host it?
I would love to invite three remarkable women to dinner because I truly admire women who have fought to bring change to the world, challenged the norms of their time, and helped shift mindsets so that women like me today can work, express ourselves freely, and have our voices heard.
First, I would invite Mary Gawthorpe, a passionate suffragette, teacher, and organiser in the Women’s Social and Political Union. She was imprisoned for her activism and never gave up on the fight for women’s rights. Her blue plaque is located at Warrel’s Mount in Bramley, where she once lived. I’d love to hear about her experiences firsthand, especially the resilience it took to stand up for change in the face of such resistance.
Then, Ellen Heaton, a philanthropist and art collector who supported women’s education and had strong ties to the Pre-Raphaelite movement. I’d be curious to hear how she navigated the world of art, patronage, and influence during her time – especially as a woman championing creativity and intellectual freedom. Her blue plaque can be found at 6 Woodhouse Square, the house where she lived.
Finally, Dr. Edith Pechey, one of the first female doctors in Britain and a pioneer for women in medicine. She opened a practice in Leeds and worked tirelessly for women’s access to healthcare and professional education. Her plaque is at 8 Park Square, where she lived and practiced. Her story is extraordinary. I’d be honoured to hear her perspective as both a healer and a trailblazer.
The venue would be the Great Hall at the University of Leeds, right near where Dr. Fanny Passavant’s blue plaque is placed. What better setting for a gathering full of conversation, reflection, and celebration of women who’ve paved the way?
Something you love about Leeds?
I love that Leeds has a compact, walkable feel. It’s not overwhelmingly big, nor is it too small. You can explore so much of the city on foot. The people are warm, kind, and helpful, which makes a real difference, especially as an international student.
The university life here is flexible and inspiring, encouraging you to explore your interests deeply. I also appreciate how Leeds embraces its museums and cultural spaces and the public’s enthusiasm for heritage and history is really motivating for someone like me who works in that field.
But most of all, I love how Leeds has opened itself up to me. It’s pushed me out of my comfort zone, made me more independent and confident, and helped me grow. When I first arrived, everything felt unfamiliar. But now, it feels like home.
And lastly, something about Leeds you’d like to change?
Well… in a parallel universe, I’d love for Leeds to be a little flatter! The steep slopes and hilly roads can be a real challenge, especially for someone like me who walks everywhere. I still walk a lot despite it, but a gentler landscape would be very welcome!
Also, I’d love to see more accessible and affordable public transport options, maybe e-rickshaws, trams, or smaller vehicles that can reach places where buses don’t. It would make moving around even more convenient for everyone.
