Over at Belgrave, new murals can be seen in their side street seating area on Merrion Place. Following the death of British-American rapper MF Doom in late 2020, a Leeds artist collective, Two Times, painted a tribute in celebration of his life and impact. The incredibly recognisable profile image of MF Doom can be seen above lyrics from the rapper’s song ‘Lickupon’, “There’s four sides to every story, if these walls could talk they’d probably still ignore me”. The collective behind the MF Doom mural, Two Times, was formed by Leeds artists Benjamin Craven and Edan MF. 

Another addition to Belgrave’s seating area on Merrion Place is the mural painted by Leeds/Teesside artist James Rogan. The mural, which was created last summer reads ‘It’s all happenin’ at Belgrave’ and is painted in designs and colours which can only be likened to an afternoon drinking in the sun! Scaling half of the building in height, and collaging gaudy patterns and colours, you’ll be hard-pressed to miss this one! 

Check these murals out here: Cross Belgrave St, Leeds LS2 8JP

Bus stop: Vicar Lane L – N Bound 

At Hyde Park Corner, a sizeable mural dedicated to Leeds United Manager Marcelo Bielsa emerged in September last year. The black and white mural of Bielsa’s face was painted by the highly talented local stencil and mural artist Tank Petrol, and the painting was based off the original picture taken by photographer Justin Setters. The mural also includes the Leeds united badge, as well as a quote from the legend Bielsa himself, which reads “A man with new ideas is a madman, until his ideas triumph.”

You can marvel at this mural here: 265-267 Hyde Park Rd, Leeds LS6 1AG

Bus stop: Hyde Park Corner – NW Bound

Antony Burrill’s YOU&ME&ME&YOU is another new welcome addition to Leeds’ offerings of street art. The black and white painted mural, which spans across the entire side of Sparrow Wharf building on The Calls, was completed at the beginning of this year. Andy Burill said: “We wanted to make a recognisable landmark in Leeds that marked a particular moment and a particular time; especially over the past year where we have recognised the value of the relationships between yourself and your friends, your family, or the relationship between you and people you don’t know, and the simplicity of that connection.” Designed by Andy Burrill, the piece was curated by Laura Wellington at In Good Company, supported by King & Co., and installed by Bread Collective. 

Find this mural here: 32 The Calls, Leeds LS2 7EW

Bus stop: Kirkgate High Court – W Bound

Also to be seen in The Calls, is the mural named “Paving the Way” by Manchester-based artist Akse P19. The mural was painted in honour of the Rocnation and Leeds United partnership, and features the club’s legends such as Albert Johanneson and Lucas Radebe, and at the front and centre of the wall is the current homegrown player Kalvin Phillips. Akse P19 has been painting murals since 1992, focusing on photo-realistic portraits over the past 15 years, he aspires to inspire the community through the people and places he paints. 

Find this mural here: Leeds LS2 7DA

Bus stop: Kirkgate High Court – W Bound 

Another of Akse P19’s incredible murals can be found at Leeds Beckett University; a tribute to Rugby League hero Rob Burrow. The portrait, which depicts Rob in action playing rugby for Leeds Rhinos, also includes a quote from Rob which reads “In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.” 

Find this mural here: Leeds LS1 3HE

Bus stop: Civic H – NE Bound 

Another tribute to Leeds United was painted in October 2019 by Yorkshire artist, and Otley resident Shane Green. The striking painting was created for the Leeds United Centenary, and spans across two end terraces on Tilbury Mount in Holbeck, just by the footbridge for the M621. Shane Green is a lifelong Leeds fan and said that he chose the area as he felt it was a “special location” as the majority of fans will see it as they walk to the hallowed ground of Elland Road on match days. 

Find this mural here: Tilbury Mount, Holbeck, Leeds

Bus stop: Fairway Court – E Bound 

Painted on the side of the bar and multi-use venue space that is Wharf Chambers, artist INSA’s graffiti-style mural steals the attention of the view across Leeds in its captivating patterns and astonishing colour gradient. The mural was painted not only as a new striking attraction in Leeds, but also as an experiment to see if it is possible to limit and track the carbon footprint caused by painting a mural of such scale. The mural was created in collaboration with Moniker. 

Find this mural at: 23-25 Wharf St, Leeds LS2 7EQ

Bus stop: York Street (Stop F3) E Bound 

Although a lot of new artwork has been installed over the course of the past year, we must of course mention some of the more long-standing pieces of street art which have helped to keep Leeds colourful for many years; starting with one of the harder-to-spot pieces. The city’s ‘Grey Heron’ mural is best seen from one of Leeds’ yellow water taxis; you will see this magnificent painting of, of course, an actual grey heron as you pass under the Centenary Bridge. However, your view of this mural is entirely based on the river’s water levels that particular day, as the Grey Heron is painted on the side of the bridge, and therefore disappears and reappears as the water levels rise and fall. 

Hop on the water taxi here: Canal Wharf, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 5PS

Bus stop: Bridgewater Place Z4 – N Bound