Boxing gloves worn by the city’s own double Olympic champion Nicola Adams and a bike and kit belonging to Horsforth’s Alistair Brownlee, the only athlete to hold two Olympic triathlon titles, are among a glittering array of memorabilia on display in Abbey House Museum’s All to Play For.
Their impressive triumphs are heralded alongside the likes of Saima Hussain, England’s first female Asian rugby league player and former University of Leeds student Claire Cashmore, who represented Team GB at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “Leeds has an incredibly rich sporting history and sport has played such an integral role in our culture and heritage over the centuries.
“It’s fitting that we celebrate the accomplishments of those history-makers who put Leeds on the sporting map but it’s also amazing to see how the sheer joy of playing and competing has clearly meant so much to the city and its communities.”
Here’s a special look at some of the unique displays coming to the exhibit – opens at Abbey House Museum on January 21.
1. All to Play For exhibition
Kitty Ross, Leeds Museums and Galleries curator of social history, said: “The sheer scope and scale of objects we have been able to gather for this exhibition illustrates the enduring love of sport, play and competition that has existed for different generations and communities in Leeds through the ages." Photo: Bruce Rollinson
2. All to Play For exhibition
The impressive Trophy Cabinet which is part of the New Exhibition at Abbey House Museum. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
3. All to Play For exhibition
Included as part of the exhibit are the bike and kit belonging to Horsforth’s Alistair Brownlee, the only athlete to hold two Olympic triathlon titles. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
4. All to Play For exhibition
The city's beloved Leeds Rhinos also features as part of the exhibit. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
5. All to Play For exhibition
Boxing gloves worn and signed by the city’s own double Olympic champion Nicola Adams also features as a proud part of the exhibit. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
6. All to Play For exhibition
As well as acclaimed professional and international athletes, the exhibition also celebrates the accomplishments of those who have tested their skills in amateur games and sports at all levels. Photo: Bruce Rollinson