The New Pavilion
- Client: Leeds City Council & Morley Towns Council
- Areas: Community Engagement Local Heritage Diversity & Inclusivity
- Credits:
I was commissioned by Leeds City Council to design fifty-one window panels to bring life to the New Pavilion and encourage a sense of community and pride by celebrating local stories.
During the project, I aimed to bring back the rich history of the New Pavilion to the people of Morley through their own words and memories.
The New Pavilion had been at the heart of the Morley community since 1911. Now abandoned, the building whispers of couples falling in love, cheeky children tucking into ice cream, and clubbers’ rowdy dancing.
Protesting against demolition, the locals successfully protected this cherished site. The project creatively transforms the building while it awaits a new future.
By reaching out to local people and listening to their stories, I wanted to showcase the building’s past in a way that embodies the identity and history of the town. A ripped cinema ticket, fish and chips after a cowboy film, a little child’s head peeping at Grandma’s bingo card – all are stories shared by the community. By depicting the area’s oral histories and using local archives, I brought the building’s history back to life as local residents and visitors walk past.
"Kat is an absolute delight to work with – very conscientious but also with real attention to detail and ability to manage a project of scale. She commits genuine care for not only the quality of what she produces but love for reflecting real communities and people. Can’t recommend her more highly!"
