The Leeds University Parkinson Building- one of the most memorable buildings in Leeds, and most commonly thought of, where a wide variety of studies are taught, including graphic design, textiles and chemistry.
The Broadcasting Tower in Central Leeds- home to the school of architecture for Leeds Metropolian University, designed by Sterling-prize winning architects, Feilden Clegg Bradley. The contreversial "rusty" (or, in fact, "weathered steel") studio workshop/student accomodation space is a landmark building within the city, and in June 2010, the tower won the award of '2010 Best Tall Building in the World', presented by the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.
The Leeds College of Art Bleinheim Walk Building- my proud "home" whislt at University. The specialist Arts institute boasts an array of talented and notable alumni, including Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, and Damien Hirst, who studied on the one-year foundation course, before completing his Art studies at Goldsmiths in London.
A Henry Moore sculpture, outside one of the cultural highlights of Leeds Centre- The Henry Moore Foundation Museum, which showcases a vast variety of collections from the art and design world.
The Mansion at Roundhay Park, Leeds- a large stone house built from 1811 to 1826, once a home, it is now leased out by the council as a hotel and restaurant, a popular location for weddings and private venues.
The Grand staircase in The Mansion, at Rounhay Park, Leeds- showcasing the elegant and sophisticated architectural design that Leeds has to offer.
The internal architectural design of the County Arcade Victoria Quarter Shopping area off the main high street in Leeds. The Arcade offers a high-fashion alternative to the customers of Leeds- with brands such as Vivienne Westwood, Louis Vuitton and Paul Smith.
One of the more quaint and charming buildings in Leeds, and a delight for cinema-goers and true film fanatics throughout the city, the Hyde Park Picture House was built and opened a few months post-outbreak of War, in November 1914, announcing itself as "The Cosiest in Leeds"- and still retains that principle to this day.
The ever-hectic, ever-crammed Leeds train station (picture here, at night time, of course). Whereas many people wouldn't neccessarily think of the train station when the word 'Leeds' is first mentioned (or for any city, for that matter)- it is a very clear image in my mind, with two years of train station "hellos", "goodbyes", smiles and tears shared between my partner and I. Without train stations, how many long-distance loves would still remain intact?
We have a lot to thank train stations for, no matter how irritatingly late and unorganised they are.
The beautifully intricate, ornamental, and classical-style of the ceilings at The Grand Theatre- which I was first lucky enought to witness in the last month, upon attending the stage show of the not-quite-so-classical 'Rocky Horror Picture Show'.
This left me dumb-founded, the gold leaf carpentry design was truly beautifully crafted.
The Orchestra performing for an Opera North show on the Grand Theatre stage.
Miles, a violinist playing on Briggate, Leeds busiest shopping highstreet- therefore, a popular hotspot for buskers of all varieties- young, old, men, women, dancers, accordion players, rappers, etc.
Kate, another violinist (this time of the electric persuassion) busking at the end of the Briggate highstreet.
Leeds Festival 2008- one of the biggest music festivals in the UK- often attracting huge stars and musicians, and even greater audiences!
Festival goers at the Leeds festival.
Alan Bennett- one of Leed's most notable and loved Sons. The 76 year old screenwriter, playwright and author went on to study at Oxford University, though often wrote fondly of his experiences growing up in the North, particularly in his autobiographies (one including a personal favourite 'Writing Home').
As aforementioned, Damien Hirst is perhaps one of the most notable Sons of Leeds and West Yorkshire, and a fond member of the alumni of Leeds College of Art (despite his application initially being rejected!). Hirst sprang to fame in the late 1990's with the contreversial Goldsmith student's group 'The YBA's' (The Young British Artists), when Hirst lead their ground-breaking exhibition 'Freeze'.
And what is a depiction of Leeds without Jimmy Saville?!
I don't think any more really needs to be said...
...And ending on a sweet (or, in this case, strong!) note, Yorkshire Tea, the pride of the North.
As an outsider looking in, I've always had a fond view of Leeds and West Yorkshire- with a charming blend of City nightlife and culture, with the short trip to the moors, blissful tranquility and rural living, what more could one want?
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