To celebrate Leeds400 and mark 400 years since the city’s charter was signed, Buttercrumble will embark on an ambitious creative project, illustrating 400 portraits across the city. Over the course of a fortnight (1st to 15th of March), we’ll host a drawathon, setting up in diverse locations to capture the faces that make Leeds unique.

Why? We have a lot to thank Leeds for! Buttercrumble’s co-founders (Chloe and Abigail) studied at the University of Leeds and were awarded an enterprise scholarship to grow the business. Shortly after graduation, we were invited by Fred Aldous to illustrate portraits in their Leeds store.

Since then, the studio has illustrated thousands of portraits! We have had the pleasure of illustrating for John Lewis & Partners and Seasalt Cornwall (to name just a couple of brands). We now want to extend our invitation to the residents of Leeds.

How can you take part?

Join us, in-person, on the 14th of March, 2026: 13:00–16:00 at John Lewis & Partners, Leeds.

Alternatively, we want to ensure this activation is as accessible as possible, so we will be inviting residents to submit their portraits digitally. We will then illustrate these images on Monday 9th of March 2026. On this date, we will stream the artwork being created.

Part of the Leeds400 celebrations in 2026.