Mural tributes are a sporting chance to honour city’s stars
The subject of each mural was chosen by a panel of volunteers, who worked with Leeds Museums and Galleries as part of the On the Pitch, Off the Pitch project, which was made possible thanks to support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and which delved into the museum's collection to discover links to local sporting stories.
Among the inspiring figures they selected are Kadeena Cox, who has brought home a remarkable string of Paralympic gold medals in sprinting and cycling. She has been commemorated with a beautiful artwork adorning The Reginald Centre in Chapeltown.
Produced by artist Hyro Graff in consultation with Kadeena, her family and members of the Chapeltown community, the mural’s colours and imagery connect to various parts of Kadeena’s life and heritage.
Doris Storey, who smashed the record for the 220yds breaststroke in 1938, has been honoured with an eye-catching mural that's now making a splash as part of a new housing development in Seacroft, where Doris was born, and which also includes a five-storey building named after her.
Created by artist Alexandra Elstone, the mural celebrates key moments and locations of the trailblazing swimmer’s life.
Elsewhere a vibrant mural depicting the city’s rich dance heritage adorns the Northern School of Contemporary Dance courtesy of artist Herfa Thompson and a dynamic piece celebrating the city’s rising skateboarding stars has been unveiled at Leeds Dock, created by Melody Murals.
And a tribute to the Leeds Caribbean Cricket Club, which became the first club of its kind in the UK when it was established in 1948, is a new feature at Kirkgate Market thanks to artist Jioni Warner.
The project, which also included the creation of films and the collection of local oral histories, was made possible by a £210,665 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund through their Dynamic Collections programme.
Leeds Museums and Galleries' project curator Catherine Robins said: “These beautiful new artworks are the culmination of more than a year of research, planning, teamwork and creativity and its incredible to see them brightening up the city in all their glory
“They’re also a visual representation of the passion and love for sport that’s been shown by our project volunteers and their collective determination to honour these sporting heroes and their stories. That more than anything is the ideal tribute and something the city can hopefully be proud of for many years to come.”
Other murals already in place around Leeds include a stunning tribute to former Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa in Hyde Park, a mural honouring Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow on the side of Leeds Beckett University, and an artwork of former world champion boxer Josh Warrington under the A58 flyover.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “The love of sport and passion for culture are two things which run through Leeds and its communities, so it’s wonderful to see the perfect combination of both being brought to life in these incredible new artworks.
“It’s also fantastic to see some of the city’s unsung sporting stars honoured and for their stories and accomplishments to be recognised with a lasting tribute that will inspire future generations.”
