Missed or missing our Rebellion to Romance exhibition?

A collection of panels capturing the main themes of the hugely successful ode to second-generation West Indians coming of age in 1970s and 80s Leeds will pop up at community libraries from April to June.

Thousands visited the carefully curated mementos, fashions of the day, music and stunning photographs which documented the lives of second-generation West Indians and the impact of Jamaican culture on them. The acclaimed 'story of a generation' which ran at Leeds Central Library until November 2022, also featured the work of iconic photographer Vanley Burke, and was visited by King Charles.

A natural progression from the 2019 Eulogy Project on first-generation Jamaicans of Leeds, the panels capture the exhibition’s themes including activism, parenthood, fashion, cultural awakening, lovers’ rock and sound systems. Together they told a powerful story of young Black people hugely influenced by Jamaican culture, music and style, immersed in their parents’ Caribbean roots yet shaping an identity of their own.

The pop-up mini exhibition appears at the Compton Centre in Harehills from April 4 th then moves on to the Reginald Centre in Chapeltown in May.

Rebellion to Romance is supported by Leeds Civic Trust Community Heritage Fund, Leeds Inspired and Leeds 2023 and in partnership with Leeds Libraries and Gabicci.

Part of the Out of Many Festival made possible by National Lottery players thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.

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