Leeds Postcards

Since 1979, independent press Leeds Postcards creates oppositional, inspiring images which promote activism by design. Despite the title, the postcards themselves do not depict Leeds. Instead their name represents a defiant rejection of the hegemony of London.

The postcards have crystallised the cultural zeitgeist to be displayed, sent, kept, and shared in a unique and accessible manner. The images themselves cover a fascinating range – from politics, feminism, race and gender equality, and much more. The independent press have been operating over the past four decades, meaning their collection holds a unique and graphically inventive record of the struggles as well as the progressive political triumphs from 1979 to the present day.

The book contains over 100 cards, featuring the work of a wide range of artists and designers, including Steve Bell, Jacky Fleming, Peter Kennard, Ray Lowry and Angela Martin. Leeds Postcards continues to this day, thanks to a great deal of love, luck and effort, making each card a pocket-sized call to arms - punching way above its weight.

To celebrate the release of the new book, published by Four Corners Books, Village will be exhibiting a selection of Leeds Postcards’ diverse output spanning nearly 4 decades.

Christine Hankinson, one of the founding members of the collective, and the books designer Craig Oldham will be signing copies of jthe book at the preview event on 19th July.