Armley Mills: “Community chance” to rediscover hidden gem

By Jill Stocks

Ever visited Leeds Industrial Museum? And if you did when was the last time?

Now might be the ideal time to rediscover this hidden gem, tucked between the Leeds Liverpool Canal and the River Aire at Armley, by taking advantage of their special entry offer for local residents.

People living in LS3, LS4, LS5 and LS12 can now visit the museum for just £1 admission. And with lots to see and do that’s pretty good value for money.

West Leeds Dispatch was treated to a special tour by Coullin Meikle, the museum’s Learning and Access officer, and it’s a real journey through history with some fascinating exhibits which tell us about the history of industry in Leeds, the “city of 1,000 trades”.

Exploring the history of the textile, film, engineering, and printing trades amongst others there are plenty of interesting – and grim – tales to tell.

Among the exhibits are period cottages, looms, photography, print presses, engines big and small, sewing and cutting rooms and cinema projectors (including the replica of Louis La Prince’s camera which produced the world’s very first moving film made here in Leeds). 

Continuing the film theme, the museum is also home to one of the world’s smallest 1920’s cinemas, The Palace Picture House, showing classic matinees on a Wednesday and family matinees on a weekend and school holidays. Give them a call to find out what’s on.

Coullin said:

“Our Victorian school is a bit of a rite of passage’ for the folk of Leeds, with hundreds of school children taking part each year I feel very privileged to be able to continue that. Many children want to return with their parents so I hope this special offer helps them do that, especially in the school holidays when we put on free fun family workshops.”

Chris Sharp, the museum keeper, added:

“Being based in the former Armley Mills, we have always felt part of the community. We celebrate our work alongside a wide range of local groups and hope this offer will encourage local people to come celebrate the amazing firsts that Leeds has given to the world in our extended exhibition ‘Leeds to Innovation’.”

Leeds Industrial Museum is on Canal Road in Armley. It is open Tuesday to Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday and Sunday 12pm-5pm. The £1 entry offer is valid with proof of address. More information about the museum and special events and activities can be found here.