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Friday 11 Dec 2020

Art installation celebrating Leeds and its people installed at Leeds railway station

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Eastern

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A major collaboration between Network Rail and Yorkshire based photojournalist Jude Palmer has seen a 225-metre exhibition of work from the project ‘Love of Leeds’ installed at Leeds railway station.

The ‘Love of Leeds’ project is a celebration of the amazing people, organisations and community groups in Leeds. The exhibition will showcase these individuals and groups in a major, visual exhibition which has been installed on platform 16 at the transport hub.

The photographic installation has been unveiled today (Friday, 11 December), following a team of specialist installers working on the project for a week. Using state of the art material, 22 digitally printed images have been installed to the backdrop of platform 16, improving passenger experience and transforming the area into a captivating and inspirational gallery of work from ‘Love of Leeds’.

The project will act as a much-needed reminder of hope and resilience to the city and its people and will celebrate everything which Leeds has to offer, which is particularly important during such an unprecedented year.

Jude Palmer, creator of the exhibition, said: “Working with the team at Network Rail has been amazing. They’ve had such creative vision for this groundbreaking project and I feel really feel proud that this project is another creative way to give Leeds a voice and to shout about what it’s doing. The city’s DNA is made up of grit, boldness, creativity and passion and this is now clear for all to see at one of Britain’s busiest railway stations.”

Anna Mulleady works for Network Rail in Leeds. Anna said: “This year has been a really difficult one, so we were delighted to get involved in this project, which will improve the look and feel of the station and give passengers a much needed boost during these unprecedented times. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase all that is great about Leeds and we can’t wait for our customers to see it.”

The photographic project originally came about when Harrogate based photojournalist Jude set out on a creative journey at the beginning of 2019 to document insightful imagery which showcased what is happening in Leeds in sport, music, TV, arts, communities, culture, education, film and business.

Jude was the driving force behind this project, alongside Cllr Judith Blake from Leeds City Council. They conceived the project together at a photographic exhibition by Jude about Leeds Triathlon. Jude has a passion for capturing moments with a journalistic approach and she has a unique perspective, seeing the unseen.

Cllr Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Jude and I worked together on the Love of Leeds project which was a huge success. I am thrilled that some of the images taken will now be going into Leeds railway station. It will be a great boost for the city and it shows all who travel through it just what we are about."

Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, said: “There is no better way to sum up what’s best about Leeds than its people and no better time to do so than now. This will be a brilliant way to greet them and welcome them back to Leeds City Centre.”

Alistair Brownlee and Jamie Jones feature in the exhibition. Alistair said: “As proud Leeds lads, Jonny and I sing the praises of Leeds whenever we can.  It’s a great to be included here with so many special people from Leeds, all captured brilliantly by Jude.”

Jamie added: "It’s been an honour and a privilege to be recognised in some of the works which Jude has created in a catalogue of iconic people and landmarks in what is my favourite place in the world - Leeds.

"Leeds is my home, it’s where I have been able to fulfil my boyhood dreams and realise much of my potential. As a steward and a father in this city, it gives me no end of joy to see Jude's work celebrate - in timeless motion - the inspirational hearts and minds, of the city I call home."

ENDS