IN THE BEGINING

Leeds Tapestry is a community arts project embroidered to celebrate the millennium. It consists of 16 panels celebrating the story of the city’s life through the artistic work of its people.

The project, was facilitated and designed by Leeds textile artist Kate Russell, whose vision to create an authentic and rich tapestry of Leeds’ life involving the diverse sectors of the city was inspired by a quote from Lewis Hydes’ book The Gift’: "Art that matters to people, delights the senses, moves the heart, revives the soul and offers courage for living".

In a 10-year project which culminated in 2002, hundreds of men, women and children devoted their time and skills to creating a breath-taking montage of Leeds life, each 2.4 metres x 1.5 metres (8’ x 3’ 6") panel representing a theme drawn from the community including Education, Health, Transport, the Environment, Textile and Industrial Heritage, Local Faces and Leeds in Bloom.

The panels are now on permanent display on the first floor of Leeds Central Library and there are volunteers, who were involved in the project, more than happy to give guided tours by prior appointment.

The blog focuses on one piece of embroidery every day and it’s hoped that the public will join in and add personal recollections of the City of Leeds.