Leeds celebrates 70 years of British achievement, creativity, and diversity with a specially commissioned street photography exhibition for the Platinum Jubilee.

Since 6 February 1952, when Princess Elizabeth acceded to the throne to become Queen Elizabeth II, this country has celebrated many national and local achievements, several of which will be on display during the Celebrating Britain exhibition.

The open-air exhibition featuring more than 120 images has been organised by Leeds City Council’s arts, events, and venues service. It is free to the public and accessible 24 hours a day. The exhibition will be displayed on large-format panels in Victoria Gardens in front of the Library, the Art Gallery, and the Henry Moore Institute from June 1st.

The diverse collection of images has been curated by street gallery experts Wecommunic8 and sourced from the extensive MirrorPix archives, who have sponsored this street gallery.

Each display panel features stories, key dates, and background information on each photograph with fascinating “did you know” facts.

Visitors will see Royal occasions, sporting successes, world-famous inventions, landmark moments and a reflection of British cultural diversity. Shoppers looking for Leeds references will enjoy pictures of Her Majesty’s visits, plus other notable visits to the city, including Princess Diana and The Beatles. The exhibition will also feature images and a list of famous Leeds locals.

Chris Bridge, Exhibition Director for Wecommuni8, said:

“We are thrilled to be working with Leeds City Council once again to bring this special Leeds version of our “Celebrating Britain” exhibition to the city, which features some of the most famous images taken during our lifetimes.

“We hope it reminds visitors of the amazing achievements and special celebrations we’ve either experienced or seen on the news or read about in newspapers during the 70 years of Her Majesty’s reign.”

Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Robert W Gettings MBE JP, said:

“I am delighted that Leeds is hosting the “Celebrating Britain” Exhibition to coincide with the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen – the longest-serving monarch in British history.

“It is wonderful that we have this opportunity to showcase the city with a panel depicting famous local people. It is clear that Leeds has a wealth of diverse talent, from world-class dance and musical theatre artists to gold medal achieving Olympians.

“I hope you enjoy this exhibition that highlights the remarkable contribution made by so many as well as covering landmark moments, sporting successes and world-famous inventions over the past 70 years.”

Leeds City Council is hosting the exhibition as part of a calendar of events and attractions that bring visitors to central Leeds. For more information on what else is happening in the city to mark the Platinum Jubilee, visit https://www.leeds.gov.uk/campaign/platinum-jubilee.