Armley Library is hosting a session to create an inspiring new tapestry that will become a lasting part of the city’s cultural heritage.
As part of the national campaign Our Freedom: Then and Now, the Threads of Freedom project has received funding to work with communities across the city to produce a collaborative textile artwork. This new piece will be displayed alongside the Leeds Tapestry on the first floor of Leeds Central Library.
This new piece will reflect the voices and creativity of Leeds communities, exploring what freedom means today – 80 years after the end of the Second World War. Everyone is welcome to take part in this meaningful opportunity to contribute to a permanent work of community art.
A series of free workshops are taking place across Leeds during September and October, offering different ways to engage with the campaign.
The Storytelling with Fabric and Thread workshops, led by artists Hayley Mills-Styles and Elnaz Yazdani, will guide participants in creating embroidered, patchworked, and embellished textile pieces inspired by Leeds’ history and photographic archives.
Also part of the Threads of Freedom programme are three Make Do & Mend sessions. Skill Share in the Art Library will see a group of artists share traditional textile repair techniques, whilst artist Lorna Johnston will deliver sessions on woven and honeycomb darning. These sessions have proven very popular, but those interested can join the waiting list.
The final tapestry will include a selection of artwork produced during the project. These workshops are being held at locations including Leeds Central Library, Moor Allerton Library, Seacroft Community Hub, Yeadon Library, and Armley Library. The Armley library session takes place on Monday, 22 September 2025, at 2pm.
Visit TicketSource for full details of all events and to book your place.
The project will conclude with a celebration at Leeds Central Library for those who have participated, co-created with artists and community groups.
Emma Hayton, Art Librarian, said: “It’s so wonderful to be able to work with the people of Leeds to add an updated companion piece to the already much-loved Leeds Tapestry. We’ve been spending time with different community groups looking at our collections together, and the city-wide programme is shaping up nicely. Come along to one of our events in Leeds Central Library and get involved!”
The Leeds Libraries project is one of 60 community-led commissions across the UK forming part of Our Freedom: Then and Now, a national programme supported by Arts Council England. The campaign commemorates the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day by inviting communities to reflect on the past and reimagine the future through creativity.
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