Leeds is gloriously transforming its urban canvas into an open-air gallery, celebrating its rich sporting heritage through a vibrant series of murals across the city.
These eye-catching artworks, found in locations like Chapeltown, Seacroft, and Kirkgate Market, immortalize local legends such as Paralympian Kadeena Cox and swimmer Doris Storey, thanks to the ‘On the Pitch, Off the Pitch’ project supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
How is Leeds celebrating its sporting legends through murals?
Leeds is celebrating its sporting legends with a vibrant series of murals, honouring athletes from diverse backgrounds and eras. Commissioned through community collaboration and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, these public artworks highlight local heroes, preserve sporting heritage, and inspire future generations across the city.
Honouring Sporting Heroes Through Art
Across the city of Leeds, a striking series of new murals has been unveiled, shining a spotlight on some of the region’s most remarkable sporting heroes. These colourful public artworks animate walls and centres in various communities, providing a visual testament to athletes whose achievements have left an indelible mark on the city’s cultural and sporting landscape. This initiative, part of the ‘On the Pitch, Off the Pitch’ project by Leeds Museums and Galleries, was supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, enabling the city to fuse artistic creativity with sporting heritage in a unique and meaningful way.
The selection process for the mural subjects was undertaken by a dedicated panel of volunteers, who delved into the museum’s collections and local history to identify figures worthy of commemoration. Their choices span diverse disciplines and eras, from record-breaking swimmers to Paralympic champions. “These beautiful new artworks are the culmination of more than a year of research, planning, teamwork and creativity and it’s incredible to see them brightening up the city in all their glory,” said project curator Catherine Robins. She continued, “They’re also a visual representation of the passion and love for sport that’s been shown by our project volunteers and their collective determination to honour these sporting heroes and their stories.”
Among the celebrated figures is Kadeena Cox, a Paralympian whose prowess in both sprinting and cycling has garnered her multiple gold medals on the international stage. Her mural, created by the artist Hyro Graff at The Reginald Centre in Chapeltown, not only depicts her athletic accomplishments but also integrates elements of her heritage and personal journey. This bespoke approach, developed in consultation with Cox, her family, and the local community, epitomises the deeply personal nature of each tribute.
Artworks Bringing Stories to Life
The murals are not merely decorative; they serve as vibrant narratives that encapsulate the spirit, determination, and identity of their subjects. Another striking example is the mural honouring Doris Storey, the legendary swimmer who shattered the 220-yard breaststroke record in 1938. Born in Seacroft, Doris is now immortalised in her hometown by a mural that graces a new housing development and a five-storey building that bears her name. Artist Alexandra Elstone designed this piece to highlight key moments and locales from Doris’s life, ensuring that her pioneering legacy continues to inspire the next generation.
In a similar vein, the city’s rich dance heritage finds a home in a mural at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Created by Herfa Thompson, the artwork reflects Leeds’ status as a vibrant centre for contemporary and multicultural dance. Meanwhile, the city’s younger sporting community is represented by Melody Murals’ energetic depiction of skateboarding culture at Leeds Dock, capturing the dynamism and creativity of this growing scene.
Another significant addition is the tribute to the Leeds Caribbean Cricket Club at Kirkgate Market, crafted by Jioni Warner. Established in 1948, the club was the first of its kind in the UK, and the mural not only commemorates its sporting successes but also its role as a cornerstone of the local Caribbean community. These installations are more than static images; they are living testimonies to the cultural fabric of Leeds, ensuring that stories of perseverance and achievement resonate well beyond the sports field.
Community Collaboration and Lasting Impact
The successful realisation of these murals was made possible through extensive community engagement and substantial financial backing. The project received a £210,665 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Dynamic Collections programme, enabling the commissioning of local artists and the involvement of residents in both the design and storytelling processes. This community-centric approach ensures that the murals reflect authentic local voices and histories, as well as contemporary aspirations.
In addition to the murals themselves, the project incorporated the creation of documentary films and the collection of oral histories, further enriching Leeds’ historical archives and providing multidimensional insights into the city’s sporting legacy. According to Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles, and culture: “The love of sport and passion for culture are two things which run through Leeds and its communities, so it’s wonderful to see the perfect combination of both being brought to life in these incredible new artworks.”
Councillor Arif also highlighted the significance of celebrating “unsung sporting stars” and ensuring that their contributions are not forgotten. “It’s also fantastic to see some of the city’s unsung sporting stars honoured and for their stories and accomplishments to be recognised with a lasting tribute that will inspire future generations.” The murals now serve as public landmarks and sources of inspiration for residents of all ages.
Leeds’ Expanding Gallery of Sporting Icons
The latest mural tributes join an existing array of public artworks dedicated to Leeds’ sporting legends. Notable among them is the Hyde Park mural of Marcelo Bielsa, the charismatic former Leeds United manager whose tenure brought the football club back to the Premier League. This striking artwork has become a gathering point for fans and a symbol of resurgence in the city’s football fortunes.
Elsewhere, the city honours Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow with a mural on the side of Leeds Beckett University. Burrow, celebrated not only for his success on the rugby pitch but also for his inspiring battle with motor neurone disease, has become a beacon of courage and resilience. Additionally, a mural beneath the A58 flyover pays homage to world champion boxer Josh Warrington, capturing his determination and local roots.
Through these artworks, Leeds has developed a dynamic visual landscape where sports, history, and community pride converge. The murals offer both residents and visitors a walking tour of achievement and remembrance, transforming ordinary urban spaces into sites of collective memory and aspiration. The ‘On the Pitch, Off the Pitch’ project stands as a testament to the city’s ongoing commitment to celebrating its heroes in innovative and accessible ways.
For more information about the Leeds Museums and Galleries and current projects, visit Leeds Museums & Galleries.
To learn more about The National Lottery Heritage Fund, see their official website.
For details about Leeds’ sporting history and mural locations, the Visit Leeds website offers guides and maps.
- Leeds is transforming its urban spaces into an open-air gallery with a series of murals celebrating its rich sporting heritage.
- The ‘On the Pitch, Off the Pitch’ project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, commissions these murals to honor local legends like Paralympian Kadeena Cox and swimmer Doris Storey.
- A dedicated panel of volunteers selected the mural subjects, researching museum collections and local history to identify deserving figures.
- The murals are not just decorative but serve as vibrant narratives, with artists consulting subjects, their families, and local communities to create deeply personal tributes.
- This project also includes documentary films and oral history collections, enriching Leeds’ historical archives and celebrating unsung sporting stars.