Leeds sculpture to celebrate city's notable women

Almost 400 inspirational women have had their names engraved on a sculpture due to be unveiled in Leeds this summer.

Ribbons, designed by Pippa Hale, will celebrate women past and present who have contributed to the city.

The work, to be unveiled in July, will consist of five metal ribbons displaying the names of 384 notable women chosen by the public.

The project was developed by Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves, working with the city council and art university.

Among the women featured are former Olympic boxer Nicola Adams and social reformer and suffragist Isabella Ford.

Also included are women who have dedicated their lives to helping others, such as Tina Suryavansi who runs Homeless Hampers, and Rebekah Wilson who set up the charity Zarach to address child poverty in Leeds.

Ms Hale said she was "truly honoured" to be a part of the project.

She added she had been "humbled" by the stories of the nominated women.

"From women who have broken glass ceilings and overcome cultural, social, economic and physical barriers to rise to the top of their professions, to those who fly beneath the radar and whose contribution is neither seen nor recognised publicly.

"Ribbons is a massive thank you to all of them whose love, friendship, commitment, passion and dedication impact our lives every day."

Ms Reeves said the sculpture was a "chance to honour inspiring women from all walks of life".

"After launching this project several years ago, it's incredibly exciting to be that much closer to seeing Pippa's amazing vision come to life," she said.

A Leeds City Council review of statues carried out by Alison Lowe and published in 2020 highlighted the lack of diversity in public sculpture in Leeds and included Ribbons in an action plan to address this issue.

Ribbons will be located at the top of the gardens between Leeds City College's Quarry Hill campus and Leeds Playhouse at the gateway to the SOYO development at Quarry Hill.

The project is supported by LeedsBID, Caddick Developments, Leeds Civic Trust, the Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation, the Henry Moore Foundation and the Leeds Playhouse.

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