Leeds Central Library invited a group of Leeds Arts University photography students to examine the original photographs that formed the basis of the Leodis website. Their task was to select one or more photographs and produce a creative response. Six responses were selected by librarians to create an exhibition at the library. Here we hear from each of the students about their inspiration, how they created the exhibition and and see examples of their work.

Group statement from Leeds Arts University students:

We have worked hard putting together our exhibition ‘REBIRTH’ and hope that those using the library and others can understand and appreciate the archive in conjunction with our response. The exhibition is a collection of work that we are excited to share and have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of. As a team we are grateful for the opportunity and hopefully you will see more from us! Please feel free to contact us for more information on our exhibition and our personal practices.

Ruby Preston @rubypphoto

When looking through the archive I came across this image that while remains unknown in location and date, really intrigued me in the captured movement and emotions shown through dance. This image resonated with my style, and I chose to do these images in black and white to diminish the separation between my mum and the environment, as they move freely, naturally, alongside one another. I decided to use a family digital camera that was used during my childhood to add a personal essence to the images and draw the focus in on the somewhat blurred movement and emotion.

Being a part of the Leodis exhibition was such a great opportunity and challenge! A library is definitely an atypical space for a photography exhibition, so it was great to interpret the space and see the beautiful outcome of the groups work hung amongst the books and the architecture. I loved interpreting the archive within my personal practice and I am super proud to have my work exhibited! I hope people can see the conceptual connections from my work to that of the archive.

Harry Smithson @harry.smithson

Looking through the Leodis archive was fascinating. What caught my eye the most was Barran’s Fountain in Roundhay Park, particularly the postcard which was a drawing rather than a photograph. Which inspired me to bring it to life in my style. I create images that are surreal and uncanny. Often frightening. Often whimsical. Blank faces that let the costume and the surroundings tell the story. This work reimagines the finely dressed woman as a phantom or lost soul that roams around the fountain.

I have thoroughly enjoyed being involved with Leodis and exhibiting my work in relation to their practice. Responding to archival images has given my responding work a certain weight and responsibility that feels really important to get right. The opportunity has been very gratifying.

Toya Brown @chocotoya

Upon browsing the archive, I found two portraits of Derek Cunningham and Donald Edwards, taken by Clyde Sheriffe and Terry Cryer respectively. Seeing photographs of people from my community and of a similar background to me was refreshing and inspiring. What interested me most was how unique and individual the models look but also reflected the time it was taken in. I wanted to take a modern twist on these portraits in my own style as a homage to my heritage and my culture.

REBIRTH’ exhibition at Leeds Central Library was amazing, and I had so much fun working on it together with my course mates. Although it was challenging using an unconventional space to exhibit our images, it encouraged us to be creative and use our initiative and I’m happy with the outcome and excited for the public to see it!

Poppy Gray @photography_by_poppy_2004

The archive image I selected drew my attention due to the large black and white stick the man is holding. Initially I thought he was holding it for the photo however when I looked closer, I realised he was measuring. My inspiration started with the measuring stick, and I wanted to make an image with an odd large prop. After searching for an object large enough I decided to stack together two abstract and textured lamps that towered over my model. When creating this image, I wanted it to have an abstract look as though this was an abstract image when I first saw it.

The exhibition Rebirth to me is an exciting way to show how again and again we are inspired by our past. This was such a unique challenge to take inspiration from the Leeds archive and find a way to reinterpret these images. As a fine art photographer, I found this experience such a creative challenge and a great way to be engaged with the photographic past of our city. I hope everybody enjoys the exhibition and is inspired to engage with the past of Leeds to create something new.

Ellie Turnbull @elturnbullphoto

When looking at the archives I came across this image of what used to be Abbey Picture House and I was interested in how this building has changed over time. I decided to try and show how the building has decayed and not just by focusing on the whole building but also capturing close ups. Focusing on small fine details and textures that I found on the building but also how the architecture of the building has held up. Even though Abbey Picture House shut down in the 1960’s, you are still able to see some of the original architectures.

I have been able to photographically give a new light to a building that has been long forgotten by many. I was also able to show the architecture of the building alongside the old and new textures. Being able to have the opportunity to put up this exhibition in the library was a great chance to show the archive images alongside our individual approaches to each image.

Jess Saxton @jess.saxton_photography

I responded to the image ‘Bridge End, numbers 27 to 31‘ from the Leodis archive. My main area of interest in photography is still life and when I saw the sign above the shop front in the photo, I had the idea to photograph some of the items that the sign listed. I photographed the greengrocer products such as vegetables, bread and milk in the studio using props and colour palettes that I had thought would match the style of that time.

I’ve always been interested in looking at photos from the past of places that I know now, so having the opportunity to see the Leodis archive in person and select an image to respond to through my own photographic work was definitely an enjoyable experience for me. Being able to exhibit in such a historical building as well as the city’s main library is also a big achievement.

Rebirth is taking place in the Local and Family History Library at Leeds Central Library, until 10th May 2026.