Doris Storey mural
Artist: Alexandra Elstone
Subject: Doris Storey
With thanks to: Members of Doris Storey's family
Breaststroke swimmer Doris Storey was just 17 when she came sixth in the 1936
Berlin Olympics after competing with a broken arm. Two years later she won two gold medals at the Empire Games in Sydney.
Doris trained at York Road Baths, across the road from her parents' grocery shop on Greyhound Place. Training was scheduled around her job as a machinist at the Burton’s factory in Harehills.
Despite qualifying for the 1948 Summer Olympics, Doris was rejected by selectors who believed she had “family commitments” towards her husband and son. After her swimming career ended, Doris ran a fish and chip shop with her husband off East Park Drive in Osmondthorpe.
This painting captures key elements of Doris’ life and swimming career. How many can you see?
This is one of five murals commissioned as part of the Leeds Museums and Galleries project On the pitch, off the pitch: Sporting Heritage in Leeds. #DYC on the pitch, off the pitch is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players.
Photograph showing the intersection of York Road and Burmantofts street, approximately a 10 minute walk from York Road Baths where Doris Storey trained, 1910.
Work room at Burton's factory, Harehills, where Doris Storey worked c.1935 - 1948, photograph mid 20th century.
Jaeger co. Ltd swimsuit from c.1935, possibly similar in shape and material to the swimsuits worn by Doris Storey.
Burton's wool jacket, probably the type of item Doris Storey was involved in making as a seamstress at Burtons Factory, 1936