Prepare to be dazzled at Light Night Leeds 2025, where “Spirograph Reimagined” celebrates the iconic drawing toy, invented in Leeds by Denys Fisher, with a vibrant digital art installation at Leeds City Museum. This immersive exhibit, featuring animated patterns, original artwork by Lesley Halliwell and William Card, and a special soundscape by James Bagshaw, brings the classic Spirograph to life in a breathtaking, spiraling spectacle for its 60th anniversary.
What is “Spirograph Reimagined” and how is Leeds celebrating its legacy at Light Night 2025?
“Spirograph Reimagined” is a digital art installation at Leeds City Museum for Light Night 2025, honoring the iconic Spirograph invented in Leeds. This immersive exhibit blends animated patterns, original artwork, and music, highlighting Leeds’ legacy of creativity and innovation.
Honoring a Spiraling Legacy: The Story of Spirograph
The iconic Spirograph, first invented in Leeds by engineer Denys Fisher, has left a lasting mark on the creative world for six decades. Originating in the mid-20th century, this drawing device quickly gained popularity for its unique ability to create intricate, geometric patterns. Fisher first brought the Spirograph to market in 1965 at Schofields department store, introducing generations of children and adults alike to the wonders of mathematical art. The distinctive rings and gears, neatly packed in their boxes, soon became a household staple for families seeking both educational and artistic entertainment.
The invention’s enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and the sense of wonder it evokes. As Lesley Halliwell, one of the artists behind this year’s tribute, observed: “Many people will remember those plastic rings and gears neatly arranged in a box, the scratch of the biro and the thrill as intricate circular patterns appeared almost by magic.” This sense of nostalgia infuses the Spirograph with cultural significance, connecting it to both personal memories and the broader context of design history in Leeds.
Beyond its domestic uses, the Spirograph stands as a testament to the city’s tradition of ingenuity. Leeds has long been home to inventors and innovators, and Fisher’s creation is one of the most beloved examples of this legacy. Its global recognition and continued relevance underscore Leeds’ role as a cradle of creativity and practical invention – a fact proudly celebrated in this year’s Light Night Leeds festival.
Spirograph Reimagined: A Modern Tribute at Leeds City Museum
In 2025, the 60th anniversary of the Spirograph is being marked with a breathtaking new installation at Leeds City Museum’s Brodrick Hall. Titled “Spirograph Reimagined,” the piece is the result of a collaboration between artists Lesley Halliwell and William Card. This immersive digital artwork draws direct inspiration from the patterns created by the original Spirograph but brings them off the page and into an animated, three-dimensional space.
The installation offers visitors a six-minute journey through a vibrant world of spiraling color and motion. Halliwell’s original drawings have been meticulously digitized and transformed into dynamic animations that pulse, rotate, and burst outward in dazzling displays. The experience is further enhanced by a specially composed soundscape from musician James Bagshaw, which adds an auditory dimension to the visual spectacle, heightening the sense of immersion for audiences.
“By repeating the same spirograph motif again and again, the patterns evolve into mandala-like forms that feel greater than the sum of their parts,” explained Halliwell. The installation is more than just a visual homage – it represents a contemporary reimagining of a classic invention, blending technology, art, and history into an exhibit that appeals to all ages. Its placement in the heart of Leeds, where the Spirograph was first conceived, makes this tribute particularly meaningful for both the city and its visitors.
Light Night Leeds: Illuminating the City’s Creative Pulse
Light Night Leeds, the annual arts festival now in its twentieth year, has grown into one of the city’s most anticipated events. According to recent data, the 2024 edition drew an estimated 214,000 visitors – a record attendance that underscores the festival’s widespread appeal. Organized and supported by Leeds City Council, with funding from Arts Council England and the business community, Light Night brings together artists, musicians, and performers to transform the city’s landmarks and public spaces with illuminated artworks.
The theme for 2025, “Landmarks,” celebrates both historic and modern architecture, as well as the places that hold special meaning for the community. Alongside “Spirograph Reimagined,” the programme features:
– A large-scale projection on the Queens Hotel, marking 200 years of the modern railway
– “Portals: The Machine of Worlds,” a new commission at Leeds Civic Hall produced in partnership with the British Library
– Numerous installations that invite visitors to explore science fiction, illusion, and discovery through light and sound
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles, and culture, emphasized the importance of the festival, stating: “Light Night celebrates the power of culture, creativity and imagination and gives tens of thousands of people each year the chance to explore Leeds in a way they never have before.” The economic impact of the event is significant as well: the 2023 festival generated an estimated £5.46 million for the local economy, a remarkable 58% increase from the previous year.
Leeds: A Hub for Cultural Innovation and Community
The success of Light Night Leeds and its featured installations speaks to the city’s vibrant cultural landscape. With its rich industrial history and thriving contemporary arts scene, Leeds has established itself as a hub for innovation, community engagement, and creative expression. The city’s investment in cultural programming, supported by both public and private partners, ensures that events like Light Night remain accessible and relevant.
Innovative public art initiatives, such as “Spirograph Reimagined,” not only pay homage to the city’s past but also foster a sense of shared identity among residents and visitors. By inviting audiences to interact with landmark spaces in new ways, Light Night cultivates curiosity and pride in local achievements. As one of the festival’s artists noted, “It’s a real privilege to be part of Light Night Leeds, especially in the year that marks Spirograph’s 60th anniversary. Denys Fisher was known as a charismatic and enthusiastic figure, and I’d like to think he would be just as proud and excited about this project as we are.”
For those interested in exploring the full programme of Light Night Leeds 2025, including maps, artist details, and event timings, comprehensive information is available on the official website. Social media channels also provide updates, behind-the-scenes content, and community stories, ensuring that the festival’s reach extends far beyond the city itself.
- “Spirograph Reimagined” is a digital art installation at Leeds City Museum for Light Night Leeds 2025, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Spirograph.
- The Spirograph was invented in Leeds by engineer Denys Fisher and first brought to market in 1965 at Schofields department store.
- The installation features animated patterns based on original drawings by Lesley Halliwell and William Card, accompanied by a soundscape from James Bagshaw.
- Light Night Leeds is an annual arts festival that transforms the city with illuminated artworks and drew an estimated 214,000 visitors in 2024.
- The festival celebrates Leeds’s creative legacy and has a significant economic impact, generating an estimated £5.46 million for the local economy in 2023.