Join us in the stunning Gatehouse to make a rag rug wreath from scrap fabric and deadstock. 

All levels of crafting experience welcome and all materials provided. 

Seasonal refreshments included. 

Join us for this new online curator led workshop examining the life of Leeds Suffragette Leonora Cohen. 

Using our extensive collection, partly donated by Leonora herself, we will explore how she came to be a Suffragette, her involvement with the WSPU, and her continued campaigning and activism after the vote was won. This session will include a detailed presentation followed by a look in closer detail at items in the collection and opportunities for questions.

Book online via Tickets below, £6 per person.

Waterstones Leeds is thrilled to have author and historian Laura Beers joining us on the 7th of August at 6:30pm to talk about her new book, Orwell's Ghosts.

Seventy-five years after 1984 first published, George Orwell is back. Progressives denounce ‘Orwellian’ untruths by Trump, Johnson, Putin et al, while conservatives accuse governments and mainstream media of ‘Orwellian’ censorship. But what does ‘Orwellian’ really mean? What would the man himself say about these crises, and what can we learn from his ideas?

This study afternoon enables you to get up close with some of our ephemera collections relating to mourning and medical care in 19th Century Leeds. Curator Pat will look at mourning ritual, living conditions and proposed medical remedies in this relaxed but educational afternoon, with plenty of tea, coffee, cake and other refreshments. 

Free admission to the rest of the museum is included, and you may access the museum from 10am on the day of the event. 

Study Afternoon starts at 1pm prompt.

Walk in silence, study Turner pictures, hear some poems in the same monastic ruins that inspired J M W Turner to paint them. 

With poet Clare Wigzell. 

Meet outside the Visitor Centre at Kirkstall Abbey.

Have you ever wondered what goes on within or how to break into the commercial art world? Join us for a discussion between artists Freya Stockford and Jacob Talbot, exploring their experiences of the sector. Expect the topics of conversation to cover art fairs, selling your work, and commercial gallery representation. This talk would be perfect for artists just starting out, or those who would like to make a shift to a more commercial market; everyone welcome, and questions strongly encouraged.

With Brahma Kumaris. 

A chance to get some fresh air and fresh thoughts and a taster of Raja Yoga meditation – and to reflect in beautiful surroundings on the beautiful qualities we all have inside us. 

Organised by Brahma Kumaris in association with Kirkstall Abbey, the walks are free of charge and open to all.
 

An opportunity to practise mindfulness and meditation also sharing psychologically sourced pragmatic guidance on the theory of mindfulness as well as a chance to explore breath anchor, bodyscan, self compassion, self nurturing and loving kindness practises. 

This event takes place in the Gatehouse at Abbey House Museum, with practitioner Steve Hart. 

No need to pay in advance. No experience necessary. 

There will be a bowl for voluntary contributions on the day.

Be guided in a Tantric meditation practise of Goddess Lakshmi, working with mindful awareness, visualisation and mantra. With Zeenat Cameron. Part I of a Women's Practise Day (women only).

This Pay As You Feel event is open to beginners as well as those more experienced. It takes place in the beautiful Gatehouse Community Space at Abbey House Museum.

Introducing different Buddhist communities in Leeds and exploring some history of Buddhist communities and their contribution to Leeds. With Steve Hart. 

This Pay As You Feel event is open to beginners as well as those more experienced. 

It takes place in the beautiful Gatehouse Community Space at Abbey House Museum.