Historic exhibition puts city’s heritage in the picture

Launched in conjunction with city-wide celebrations to mark Leeds 400, the exhibition seeks to shine a light on little-known chapters in the story of Leeds and the huge variety of people, places and events which have shaped the city’s legacy.

Among the impressive array of objects on display are a leotard and belt once worn by the city’s own female wrestler Sue Brittain, later known to opponents as Lady Satan.

Outside the ropes the pioneering grappler’s real name was Marjorie Farrar. She lived in Pudsey and throughout her career, fought a series of legal battles to be allowed to compete, including using equal opportunities legislation against the then Greater London Council during a two-day court hearing in 1979.

Winning the case, she went on to battle Jane St John, at Wimbledon Town Hall in what was the first women's bout in London since the 1930s. The objects are accompanied by a photograph of Sue in her ring gear and with several trophies.

Also featured is the skeleton of Mok the gorilla, who in life was one half of a primate celebrity couple.

Captured in Central Africa, Mok was originally put in a cage in the lobby of a Parisian hotel before being bought by London Zoo and shipped to the capital in 1932.

Living there alongside a female gorilla called Moina, Mok was housed in a purpose-built gorilla enclosure from 1933, and the pair became famous, often featuring prominently in national newspapers.

However, zookeeping and knowledge of exotic animals was not what it is today and Mok, a natural herbivore, was fed a diet of steak and chicken, which sadly dramatically shortened his life.

Mok died of kidney disease at London Zoo on January 14, 1958, and after his death, Moina also died a short time later.

Mok’s stuffed mount as well as his skeleton were subsequently purchased by The Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society and today, his skeleton is displayed at Abbey House Museum alongside a beautiful pencil drawing by Cecil Stuart Tresilian depicting Mok at London Zoo.

Other exhibits include a vintage tricycle once owned by a family who lived on Bankside Street in Harehills, Leeds and who are photographed riding it in 1888, an evening dress worn by a Leeds woman at the 1937 Coronation, and a beautiful double bass manufactured by Leeds craftsman Mark William Dearlove, who was violin and bass maker for the Great Industrial Exhibition of all Nations, Crystal Palace, London in 1851.

Kitty Ross, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ curator of social history, who has been bringing the exhibition together, said: “Each of these objects has left its own unique and lasting mark on the history of Leeds and on the different people and communities who have called the city home through the centuries.

“Seeing how some of those people have also responded to them creatively through mediums like photography and artwork gives a fascinating insight into how individual and collective perspectives change over time and how different generations interpret and celebrate their local heritage.”

In the Picture is part of a programme of exciting events and activities taking place across the city to mark Leeds 400, which celebrates 400 years since the city was awarded its first royal charter by King Charles I.

Residents, groups and organisations are being encouraged to visit and also get involved and celebrate in their own way.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “The story of Leeds is completely unique and, over the course of hundreds of years, has been shaped by a quite astonishing variety of people and events.

“As we celebrate what is a landmark moment in the city’s history this year, it’s a fitting time to explore our museum collection and encourage people living here today to think about all the things which make Leeds such a special place.”

For more information on In the Picture, please visit: In the Picture: Objects in Focus | Leeds Museums and Galleries | Days out and exhibitions

More information on getting involved with Leeds 400, including hosting your own events, can be found at: Leeds 400 - a year of celebration | Leeds.gov.uk

ENDS