Centuries of history behind some of Leeds’s most treasured and celebrated buildings will be uncovered for the public to view from Thursday. (Sept 6)
More than 80 events in the city hosted at historic libraries, museums, places of worship, mansions and guided walks will take place during this year’s Heritage Open Days, which run until Sunday.
Famous buildings rarely opened up to the public, including the Tetley’s headquarters building, where visitors can see the landmark before it turns into an art gallery, are this year available to view.
The free-to-enter tours, walks and exhibits are aimed at encouraging pride and interest in Leeds’s most historic sites.
Pippa Hale, director of Project Space Leeds, which will open the gallery at the Tetley’s site, said: “It is an opportunity to see buildings that aren’t normally accessible to the public, particularly with the Tetley’s Headquarters building as it is not somewhere that has been publicly accessible before.
“It’s an iconic building in Leeds that is synonymous with Tetley’s and Leeds and through these days you can see, feel and smell part of that history.”
Two floors of the building will be opened so that the war memorial, lift, archive materials and plans for how it will be refurbished can be displayed.
Some of the star attractions include Leeds City Varieties, the University of Leeds’s Brotherton Library, the Makkah Masjid Mosque and Gotts Park Mansion, in Armley.
Lynda Kitching, chairman of Leeds Civic Trust, said: “This is a bumper year with more openers than ever. It’s about getting behind closed doors and these four days are a major opportunity to learn more about your area and areas of Leeds you don’t know much about.”
The opportunity to explore Leeds’s hidden heritage will come through historical walks and tours of places including Headingley, Cross Gates, Guiseley, Holbeck, Kirkgate, Lawnswood and Morley.
This year there are 23 new landmarks open to visitors such as archive stores and buildings used for education, industry and the arts.
The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Coun Ann Castle, said: “The weekend will offer fantastic architecture and culture for free, and a great chance to explore different parts of the city.”
* For timetables and bookings visit: www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Comments