People of Leeds
On 13 July 2026, Leeds commemorated a remarkable milestone — 400 years since receiving its first Royal Charter from King Charles I. This historic moment marked the beginning of Leeds’ journey towards self-governance and city status.
400 years on, Leeds is a vibrant, culturally rich and diverse city.
To celebrate, Skippko Arts Team are creating 400 miniature hand decorated people with the communities of Leeds.
Individuals and groups from across Leeds, of all ages, can get involved.
All the characters will go on display in Leeds City Museum from December 26 to April 27.
Whether it’s a self-portrait, a contemporary or historical figure, or someone of note from your local community, the only criteria is a link to Leeds.
Join Skippko artists Anne and Annie to make your own person at Leeds Central Library in the Drawing Room
More Events
Leodis: 400 Years of Leeds in the Leeds Libraries Collections
15th September 2026 - 11th November 2026
Discover 400 years of Leeds’ history through the inspiring collections of Leeds Libraries – from 17th century manuscripts to football fanzines, via rare maps, photographs,…
Folk Song in the North of England – Traditional Song Forum Autumn Conference with Leeds Libraries
10th October 2026 - 10th October 2026
Folk Song in the North of England – Traditional Song Forum Autumn Conference with Leeds Libraries Frank Kidson (1855-1926) was a key player in the…
Ralph and John Went to Church: Ralph Thoresby & John Lewis, the first recorded Black person in Leeds
7th October 2026 - 7th October 2026
On February 1 1708 a remarkable thing happened – Ralph and John went to church. Ralph was Ralph Thoresby, the Leeds antiquarian and diarist. John…
Piety and Profit: Contrasting Careers in Stained Glass
21st October 2026 - 21st October 2026
Victorian Leeds was home to a flourishing stained-glass industry, yet the men behind it were remarkably different. This talk by Samantha Yates explores the lives…
400 Years of Leeds, through the Collections Of Leeds Museums and Galleries
5th November 2026 - 5th November 2026
To celebrate Leeds 400, join Assistant Community Curator Pat Bourne, from Leeds Museums and Galleries, as he takes you through his personal choice of museum…
Alice Mann – The Radical Woman Who Beat The Establishment
23rd September 2026 - 23rd September 2026
From riots and radical politics to prison cells and printing presses, Alice Mann lived an extraordinary life. Widowed with nine children, she defied the authorities,…
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