On the Secret Library this week we hear from Local and Family History’s Josh Flint who in celebration of International Women’s Day writes about the first women to be Mayor of Leeds, Jessie Beatrice Kitson and examine how she is represented in the Local and Family History Collection. This pioneer was part of the famous…
Tag: People of Leeds
People of Leeds #15: Buffalo Bill’s Wild West
This week, we hear from the Central Library’s Helen Skilbeck, who talks us through a fascinating and very-valuable Playbill. This article is #15 in our People of Leeds series – short biographies of lesser-known contributors to Leeds’ past. Leeds Libraries collection of playbills can be viewed online but one that has not yet been digitised is…
People of Leeds #14: Norma Hutchinson
In the final of three special articles to mark our Unfinished Business exhibition focusing on Women in our collections, we present resources exploring the life of Trade Unionist and local Councillor, Norma Hutchinson. This article is #14 in our People of Leeds series – mini biographies of lesser-known contributors to Leeds’ rich heritage. Biographical details for Norma Hutchinson – the…
People of Leeds #13: Gertrude Paul
In the second of three special articles to mark our Unfinished Business exhibition focusing on Women in our collections, we reproduce a piece about Gertrude Paul, educator and activist. The document below was produced and written by Dawn Murray for Leeds City Council, based on research by the Leeds Civic Trust. This article is #13 in our People of…
People of Leeds #12: Frances Rushworth
In the first of three special articles to mark our Unfinished Business exhibition focusing on Women in our collections, Antony Ramm looks at a short-but-fascinating story from Leeds’ electoral history. This article is #12 in our People of Leeds series – mini biographies of lesser-known contributors to Leeds’ rich heritage. The major landmarks and most important individuals…
Black History Month 2020: People of Leeds
During October the majority of our content on the Secret Library blog will focus on Black History Month, including links to relevant resources held at the Central Library and signposting to external organisations, most specifically relating to Leeds, its history and heritage. Each week will have a different theme – Research, Events, Social Justice, Windrush and…
People of Leeds #11: Superintendent Henry Baker and his Fire Books
This week Helen Skilbeck looks at a collection of scrapbooks compiled by Superintendent Henry Baker of Leeds Corporation Fire Brigade, covering the period 1870 – 1896. This article is #11 in our People of Leeds series – short biographies of lesser-known contributors to Leeds’ past. Deep within the stacks in Leeds Central Library are a collection…
People of Leeds #10: Godfrey Wood, Confectioner
A recent blog post by librarian Helen Skilbeck looked at Godfrey Wood’s Victorian Catering Ledger which shows the events his catering business provided food and services for. This follow-up post, also by Helen, looks in more detail at Godfrey Wood himself. This article is #10 in our People of Leeds series – short biographies of…
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