Grants

The Society makes grants both to individuals and to organisations in support of cultural and scientific activities which increase innovation, outreach and diversity in Leeds and its immediate area. It also supports local museums and galleries and publications relating to the city.

About the Society

The Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society, founded in 1819, is a charity that promotes interest in science, literature and the arts – in the city of Leeds and beyond. We have meetings, lectures, entertainments, publications and visits.

The Downhearted Drayman

The Phil & Lit grant helped to support a book – in English and German – with illustrations by the children.

‘The Drayman’ statue in our city centre was a gift from the North Rhine-Westphalia city of Dortmund, which was twinned with Leeds back in 1969. The shared heritage of brewing is recognised with a twin ‘barrel man’ statue in Dortmund. As part of celebrating 50 years of friendship, a group of children at Beechwood Primary School, East Leeds, had a chance to do some creative work with storyteller Matthew Bellwood. What would the sculptures of Leeds get up to if they could move around in the middle of the night? What are their secret wishes? The children’s colourful storytelling was captured by local radio station, ChapelFM. The Phil & Lit grant helped to support a book – in English and German – with illustrations by the children.

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