Threads Of Freedom - Leeds Central Library

The Threads of Freedom Tapestry is now on permeant display at Leeds Central Library.

The “Threads of Freedom” project in Leeds invites residents to free textile workshops at local libraries, creating embroidered and patchwork pieces about freedom. These artworks will form a collaborative tapestry displayed at Leeds Central Library, celebrating community art and commemorating 80 years since the end of World War II.

Celebrating Community Art: The Threads of Freedom Project

Leeds Libraries are opening their doors and inviting the entire city to shape a new chapter in its rich cultural tapestry with the innovative “Threads of Freedom” project. This initiative, supported by the national “Our Freedom: Then and Now” campaign and funded by Arts Council England, encourages the community to come together in a creative exploration of freedom, commemorating 80 years since the end of the Second World War. The project will culminate in a collaborative textile artwork, destined to become a lasting piece of Leeds’ heritage and displayed on the first floor of Leeds Central Library alongside the much-admired Leeds Tapestry.

A series of free workshops hosted across various city libraries in September and October paves the way for residents to get involved, regardless of their experience or background. These sessions – aptly named “Storytelling with Fabric and Thread” – are led by artists Hayley Mills-Styles and Elnaz Yazdani. Participants will dive into techniques such as embroidery, patchwork, and embellishment, all drawing inspiration from Leeds’ vibrant history and its vast photographic archives. This hands-on approach provides a unique opportunity for local voices to shape the narrative of freedom as it stands today.