Patterns Through Time: Public Artwork for St John's Churchyard, Leeds
Leeds City Council in partnership with Historic England and the Diocese of Leeds, is thrilled to announce the launch of an uplifting public art project by acclaimed artist Fiona Grady
Patterns Through Time
at St John's Churchyard, New Briggate, Leeds, LS2 8JD
Free to visit - open daily during daylight hours July 2024 - Spring 2026
Patterns Through Time explores the architectural design details found in the windows of buildings in the New Briggate area, resulting in a contemporary take on stained glass windows. The series of digitally printed aluminium panels presents vibrant, colourful shapes that reference the stained glass windows of St John's Church, its carved stone sundial, and other key sites in New Briggate including the Grand Theatre and Grand Arcade. The colourful geometric motifs are open to interpretation; allowing the viewers to find their own associations within the patterns. The artworks add significant energy and animation to the green space at St John's Churchyard, marking a significant addition to Leeds' vibrant place making landscape.
The project is supported by Leeds City Council in partnership with Historic England and the Diocese of Leeds. The commission celebrates the New Briggate High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) regeneration project, a partnership between the Council and Historic England. This has delivered improvements to the public realm and historic properties in New Briggate and a series of activities and events in St John's churchyard during the past three years.
About the Installation:
Grady's installation, titled "Patterns Through Time, features a series of transparent coloured artworks arranged to create a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow throughout the churchyard. As light passes through the panels, it will cast vibrant hues and shifting patterns on the surrounding surfaces, offering a continually changing visual experience.
"I am inspired by the history and architecture of St John's Churchyard, and I wanted to create an installation that enhances its beauty while encouraging people to see it in a new light," said Fiona Grady. "'Patterns Through Time' is designed to interact with the natural environment, creating a serene yet dynamic space for contemplation and community gatherings."
Leeds' Mayor Abigail Marshall Katung, ward member for Little London and Woodhouse emphasized the significance of this project: "We are incredibly proud to host Fiona Grady's stunning installation in St John's Churchyard. Her work not only enriches our city's artistic heritage but through engagement the project truly achieves a deeper connection between the local communities and our green spaces."
Community Engagement:
In addition to the main installation, the project included a series of workshops led by Grady, inviting local schools and community groups to explore the themes of light, colour, and space. These workshops aim to inspire the next generation of artists and encourage active participation in the arts.
Leeds City Council invites everyone to join the launch event and experience the importance of art in place making. The installation although a temporary feature of St John's Churchyard will be in place for the foreseeable future, offering an enduring source of inspiration and beauty for residents and visitors alike.
All photos by David Lindsay
