events archive | Library | University of Leeds

A finely ornamented design in the form of an arch, painted and detailed in maroon, blue and gold

Books and Benefactors

Uncover unexpected stories among the pages of precious books and manuscripts spanning a millennium, newly acquired through the UK Acceptance in Lieu scheme.

A Victorian furniture catalogue with colourful sofas laid out in a grid design

Part of the Furniture: The Library of John Bedford

Rare and beautiful books chart the evolution of furniture design over the centuries and the journey from drawing board, to workshop, to home.

A watercolour painting showing figures in traditional Chinese dress spinning silk in between buildings, with trees in the background

From Cocoon to Loom: Picturing the Chinese Silk Trade

Explore the ingenious process of silk production, weaving and trade through historic paintings, textiles, books – and discover where the magic begins, with some examples of the silkworm’s cocoon.

Hands placing a vinyl on a turntable; traditional South Asian clothing hung up inside an ornately decorated structure; a green interwoven ceramic sculpture on a wooden plinth; a digital drawing of a cartoon black person in a pink dress beside a building

FUAM 2024: The Friends of University Art and Music Graduate Art Prize

Discover the freshest talent from Leeds’ art scene!

A black and grey graphite artwork of an abstract undulating zig zag lined pattern.

Mary Griffiths: Everything and All of Us

Discover the profound art of Mary Griffiths, whose work is often the result of collaborations across literature, science and music.