Vibrant new murals honouring some of Leeds’s greatest sporting heroes, past and present, have been unveiled in communities across the city.
Created by talented local artists, the striking artworks celebrate the achievements of athletes ranging from a record-breaking swimmer to a Paralympic legend. Each mural’s subject was selected by a panel of volunteers working alongside Leeds Museums and Galleries as part of the On the Pitch, Off the Pitch project. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project explored the museum’s collection to uncover inspiring local sporting stories that shaped the designs.
Among the celebrated figures is Kadeena Cox, the Paralympic star who has won multiple gold medals in both sprinting and cycling. She is now commemorated with a striking mural at The Reginald Centre in Chapeltown. Created by artist Hyro Graff in consultation with Kadeena, her family, and local residents, the design incorporates colours and imagery that reflect her life, heritage, and achievements.
Also honoured is Doris Storey, who set a world record in the 220-yard breaststroke in 1938. Her legacy has been celebrated with a bold mural at a new housing development in Seacroft, the community where she was born. The development also features a five-storey building named in her memory. A mural by artist Alexandra Elstone captures key moments and places from the life of record-breaking swimmer Doris Storey, celebrating her trailblazing career.
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.”
Elsewhere, Leeds’s wider cultural and sporting spirit has been brought to life through a series of new artworks: a vibrant tribute to the city’s dance heritage at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance by Herfa Thompson; a dynamic piece celebrating Leeds’s rising skateboarding scene at Leeds Dock, created by Melody Murals; and a striking homage to the Leeds Caribbean Cricket Club at Kirkgate Market, designed by Jioni Warner. Founded in 1948, the club was the first of its kind in the UK.
The wider project also included the creation of films and the gathering of local oral histories. It has been made possible by a £210,665 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, awarded through its Dynamic Collections programme.
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.”
These new additions join a growing collection of public artworks celebrating local icons. Existing murals across the city include a striking tribute to former Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa in Hyde Park, an inspiring portrait of Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow on the side of Leeds Beckett University, and a bold artwork of former world champion boxer Josh Warrington beneath the A58 flyover.
