As you make your way around Leeds, do you look up from your feet, take your ear away from your mobile and take time to really notice what is hidden in plain view? Do you ponder what happens behind the closed doors of buildings hidden behind scaffold, or conjur the ghosts that lurk within once great industrial powerhouses. If you do, then satisfaction is just around the corner as September is the month when we, the public, are afforded the unique opportunity to indulge our curiousity, to dream, to lament, to imagine the lives of others.
Leeds Civic Trust have put together a varied, and for the inquisitive amongst us, exciting range of behind the scenes visits. We have picked a couple of our personal favourites, but do visit the website for a full listing of tours, talks, and guides.
Works Canteen in Hunslet, Saturday 12th September 1pm – 4.30pm
Hunslet Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1JZ
Last year over 800 people visited the now closed Works canteen which was built in 1916/17 specifically to provide hot meals to the female workers recruited to replace the male workforce that had been conscripted into Kitchener’s army in the First World War.
The Former St Margaret’s Church, Cardigan Rd, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6 1LJ, Saturday 12th September: 1300-1500 & Sunday 13th September: 1300-1500
An unexpected and dramatic space hiding behind a non-descript facade, this former Anglican church designed by Temple Moor has a Grade II* interior and a fine Art Nouveau war memorial. Come and find out about the history of the building and its future as an arts & music venue. There will be choral and acoustic music performed in the church during the opening.
The Leeds Library
18 Commercial Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6AL Thursday 10th September: Talk 1800, Friday 11th September: Tour 1000 & 1500, Saturday 12th September: Tour 1000 & 1130
Founded in 1768, The Leeds Library is the oldest surviving private subscription library of its type in the British Isles and this year celebrates 200 years in its Grade II* listed building in Commercial Street. Take the chance to explore one of the architectural wonders of Leeds. On Thursday Chris Webster will give a talk on ‘Published Designs for Late-Georgian Churches: the Remarkable Collection of the Leeds Library’.
Pre booking essential Phone 0113 2453071 or email enquiries@theleedslibrary.org.uk and specify your name, a contact telephone number and the number in your party.
For a full listings visit the Heritage Open Days website
Image: Leeds Library