Museum’s unusual instrument is a real glass act
For Georgian virtuosos, it was the ideal instrument for showing audiences they were in a glass of their own. And this month, Leeds’s own incredible glass harp is set to strike a chord with visitors to a new exhibition celebrating hundreds
Object of the week- Victorian Christmas pudding steamer
The traditional Christmas pudding is sure to be a seasonal staple on millions of festive dinner tables this month. And this traditional Victorian steamer shows just how much the pursuit of the perfect pud has been part of Christmas for families
Object of the week- vintage fire engine
Once a stalwart of the fire service in Leeds, this impressive vintage engine is now being showcased alongside some of the city’s most impressive feats of innovation. Originally made for the City of Leeds in 1891 by the famed Shand Mason
Documents reveal how Leeds folk stepped in to give refugees a home
Historic documents revealing how a Leeds market town embraced refugees fleeing the horrors of war-torn Europe will go on display in a new exhibition this month. The century-old collection, which will be displayed for the first time at Leeds City Museum,
Pilot project will piece together Leeds whale’s tragic tale
The skeleton of a majestic whale cruelly killed by fishermen 152 years ago will be reconstructed for a new display highlighting the plight of our planet’s oceans. Leeds Museums and Galleries’ long-finned pilot whale is being painstakingly pieced together over the
Full steam ahead as Fiona gets fired up for mills weekend
After a lifetime toiling at the beating heart of British industry, she’s certainly earned a rest. But this weekend, Leeds Industrial Museum’s magnificent mill engine will be letting off some steam as she comes out of retirement to celebrate National Mills
Face facts, museum’s new display of figures is ancient history
It’s a tradition which began 40,000 years ago with an artistic Stone Age human and a spare piece of mammoth tusk. Now a new museum display in Leeds is bringing visitors face-to-face with some of the ancient effigies created by cultures
Museum gives city’s young tech whizzes a chance to let off some STEAM
Working at one of the world’s foremost industrial powerhouses, the women of Armley Mills were no strangers to cutting edge technology. Over centuries, they used their evolving expertise to deftly operate the mill’s gigantic spinning mules and imposing looms, helping to
A nostalgic collection of classic toys at Temple Newsam House for their brilliant Christmas celebrations
Nestling under the tree or carefully placed inside a stocking, they were the must-have toys and games which delighted generations of eager Leeds children on Christmas morning. The nostalgic collection of festive favourites has been brought together for the first time
Object of the week- Ivy Benson ceramic
At a time when war raged across Europe, Ivy Benson was calling her own tune. The pioneering musician and band leader, who was born in Holbeck, became something of a celebrity when war gave her a chance to break into the
Object of the week- Pearl Buddha statues
Beautifully rendered in perfect pearl, these tiny statues illustrate one of the many ways nature’s unparalleled creativity has been utilised by humans. Currently on display at Leeds City Museum, the gently shimmering effigies are contained within a large, freshwater oyster shell. Originally
Leeds Museums and Galleries object of the week- Giant squid model
Staring down imposingly from above the store entrance at Leeds Discovery Centre, this giant monster of the deep is one of the more bizarre items on display in Leeds. The huge model of a juvenile giant squid was created for Slime,
Exhibition explores animal kingdom’s grand designs and miniature marvels
Beautiful creations made by some of the natural world’s most accomplished animal architects have been revealed in a new exhibition in Leeds. Using objects carefully fashioned during the life cycles of species from around the world, Beavers to Weavers, which opens
Object of the week- Eurasian beaver
Hunted into extinction for their fur and meat, beavers had not been seen in the UK for more than 400 years. But now small populations are slowly but surely beginning to flourish in parts of England and Scotland. And at Leeds City
Weird and wonderful vintage games are all above board
For generations, board games have been a tried and tested family favourite in homes all over the world. Classics like Cluedo and Monopoly, both originally made in Leeds, have become a staple at Christmases and family gatherings and remain among the
Object of the week- Tasmanian wolf specimens
Researchers may have finally laid to rest the age-old question of whether the mysterious Tasmanian wolf might still be alive somewhere. But one place you definitely can still find a rather splendid example of the elusive marsupial is at the Leeds
Young volunteers get a kick out of bridging generation gap
Memories of The Beatles, Bowie, football and festivals have been brought together in a new display celebrating growing up in Leeds. Young history buffs at Leeds City Museum bridged the generation gap to create the new Teenage Kicks exhibition, visiting older
Object of the week- Puzzle jug
A puzzling pub peculiarity, this dainty-looking jug was once a popular way for landlords to keep their punters entertained. Known as a puzzle jug, the ceramic receptacle is a fine example of a type that was a regular feature in homes
Object of the week- The Harrison clock
At first glance, this long case clock may look like nothing more than a rather ornate antique timepiece. But delve a little further into the history of John Harrison’s creation and you’ll find it helped to solve a mystery that had
Object of the week- Original Chippendale drawings
In the 18th Century, a furniture maker from Leeds came up with a revolutionary new idea to sell his fabulous designs to potential customers. In a ground-breaking stroke of marketing genius, he produced the first “furniture catalogue”, filled with hand-drawn images