CAMPUS NEWS
Eddie B turns 50
When the doors opened to the University’s new South Library in 1975, its brutalist architecture drew praise and criticism in roughly equal measure.
It was born out of a vision for a modern, comprehensive library catering for an expanding academic community. By the time it was re-named the Edward Boyle Library, in honour of the former Vice-Chancellor who had brought these bold plans to fruition, it had become an integral feature of University life.
As the library marked its 50th anniversary in October, alumni shared their memories:
The little study booths tapped into my childhood fantasy of boarding school.
A great mass of concrete, the smell of books, a melting pot of people.
Late nights, cramming before finals.
Read more memories of the Edward Boyle Library from Leeds alumni.
Finding sanctuary in art
Participants in the workshops took the chance to explore art from around campus, before producing new works of their own
Participants in the workshops took the chance to explore art from around campus, before producing new works of their own
A new art exhibition is showcasing the creativity of women from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds. Held at the University’s Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery, In Touch, with Nature features artworks created during summer workshops as part of our Welcoming Migrants programme.
Sir Eduardo Paolozzi's ‘Master of the Universe’ statue outside the Edward Boyle Library
Sir Eduardo Paolozzi's ‘Master of the Universe’ statue outside the Edward Boyle Library
The participants explored campus and the University’s collections, discovering connections between British art and design and the visual cultures of their home countries. They then worked with textile artist Ranya Abdulateef to create prints, textile works and collages reflecting their personal journeys, and memories.
Rachel Craddock, Learning Coordinator at the University’s Galleries and Cultural Collections, said: “Each member of the group has encountered our exhibitions and collections with a completely unique lens. We’ve had so much fun discovering objects together and finding shared meaning in them.”
The Welcoming Migrants programme forms part of Leeds’s wider recognition as a University of Sanctuary, offering scholarships, fellowships, and access schemes for displaced scholars. Learn more about our Sanctuary Scholarships.
A little light night music
Composer Ilan Eshkeri (Music and English 1999) returned to Leeds for a collaboration at Light Night Leeds 2025.
Ilan has created music for some of the world’s biggest films, TV series, video games, ballets, concerts, and documentaries. He counts the movies Layer Cake, Stardust and Johnny English Reborn and new TV show House of Guinness among his back catalogue.
At Light Night Leeds, the UK’s largest annual festival of arts and lights, Ilan collaborated with projection artist Paul Miller on their installation Harmonia in the Clothworkers Centenary Concert Hall, which used live choral sound, music and dramatic projections to explore the fragile, cyclical nature of life on earth.
Each year, thousands flock to Leeds for Light Night which sees many of the city’s major buildings and outdoor spaces transformed by spectacular artworks, light shows and performances.
Royal seal of approval
The University’s research in textiles has been recognised with the UK’s most prestigious award in higher education – The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education. Formerly known as the Queen’s Anniversary Prizes, the accolade recognises excellence in teaching, research and the impact of universities in the wider world.
Textiles was a founding discipline of the original Yorkshire College of Science, one of the institutions which came together to form the University. 150 years on from the establishment of the original Department of Textile Industries, the University’s work in textiles and colour is internationally recognised for its excellence, contributing to fields as diverse as transport and healthcare, wind turbines and agriculture, as well as fabric production and fashion.
The award submission also acknowledged the role of long-standing donors the Clothworkers’ Company, whose gifts were critical to establishing the department in Victorian times and continue to support our work today.
The award will be presented by a member of the Royal Family at a special ceremony in London in February.
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