A picture perfect way to put Leeds in the frame

Ruth Leach, exhibitions curator, with photographs in the Changing Faces display at Leeds City Museum.

More than 40,000 picture fans have flocked to Leeds City Museum to see the showcase of the city’s many faces.

Its popular Changing Faces of Leeds exhibition captures three different centuries of life in the city and includes some of the oldest images in the Leeds Museums and Galleries collection.

Amateur snappers from across the city were also asked to send in their best photos ranging from professional portraits to selfies.

'Cameron and Pearl having fun on the swings' by Sophie Levitt

A selection was then chosen to appear in the display, with more images selected by the public in a special people’s choice category.

The Yorkshire Evening Post also supported the exhibition, highlighting a different image each week over the last few months.

Councillor Judith Blake leader of Leeds City Council, said: “It’s clear that Changing Faces of Leeds has tapped into something that resonates very powerfully with the public, in particular with their desire to express themselves through photography.

“Modern technology means taking photos is easier than ever before, but what this exhibition has also shown is that throughout the history of our city, people have always found different ways to capture images of the people and experiences that have made an impact on them.

“Giving people living in Leeds today such a prominent forum to showcase their work, then displaying their pictures alongside historic photos from the past has made a compelling statement about the city’s cultural identity.

“I’m delighted the exhibition has been such a huge success.

“Having a different image featured in the YEP each week has also helped shine a light on some of the characters and individuals who submitted photos and the interesting stories behind their pictures.”

The exhibition will run at the city centre museum until tomorrow.