Visual Arts

Pyramid of Arts (the Leeds-based arts organisation involving people with learning disabilities) recently welcomed hundreds of members, friends and supporters to The Village Hotel, Headingley to mark their milestone 18th birthday.

Hard at work!

Guests enjoyed a trip down memory lane as members from each of the charity's five regular groups presented a selection of their artwork from over the years. The birthday party was also an opportunity for Pyramid's groups to unveil some of their more recent work. 

The Young Adults group – which meets on Wednesday evenings – chose the party to give their first public exhibition of a year-long photography project which has recently been completed. All of the work was well received with Deputy Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Alan Taylor declaring himself Pyramid's "latest supporter". 

As part of the festivities, attendees - including TV screenwriter Kay Mellor - teamed up to make giant tissue paper flowers to be added to a display called "Mary's Garden". The flowers were then 'planted' in a ceremony to celebrate the life of former PoA president and founder member Mary Brayshay (1933-2007).

A different kind of floral display

As guests heard, Pyramid of Arts started life in 1989 at Meanwood Park Hospital, Leeds as a Sunday afternoon Arts Club for people with learning disabilities, including Mary herself. Since then it has gone from strength to strength, gaining independent charity status five years ago and involving hundreds of people from across the city. 

Pyramid's continued growth means it requires further funds to ensure it can continue its valuable work throughout Leeds and they are currently looking to secure funding to ensure the continuation of the Elders Group (of which Mary was a member, and still includes some of her friends). 

The event provided a valuable boost to Pyramid's fundraising activities, with guests watching as the 'living statue' came to life when people made a donation or bought a raffle ticket. If you would like further information about Pyramid of Arts, or would like to support their activities then please: