Dr Geraldine Connor statue by Lara Rose

Lara Rose, PhD student at Leeds Beckett University presents Dr Geraldine Connor, now on display at Leeds City Museum.

Lara Rose’s life-size sculpture of renowned theatre director Dr Geraldine Connor is thought to be the only sculpture of a black person on public display in Leeds, and one of a select few across the country.

A multi-talented performer, writer, director and educator, Dr Connor balanced her work in the performing arts industry with a Senior Lecturer role at the University of Leeds.

She sought to build cultural and educational links between the UK and Trinidad, the country of her parents, until her death in October 2011, at the age of 59.

Lara and Dr Connor enjoyed a close relationship, with Lara starring in Dr Connor’s Carnival Messiah production and later selecting a PhD topic based on the director’s advice to explore West African Yoruba culture.