It is widely known that Leeds played a crucial role in Britain’s industrial development. But in centuries past — before radio, television, or social media — cities and businesses had to find other ways to promote themselves. Leeds rapidly developed into a major industrial hub thanks to its wool, textile, and engineering industries, and this created a clear need for a large platform to showcase innovation. That platform was the Leeds Industrial Exhibition. Today, we take a closer look at this important event. Read more at leedski.com.
What We Know About the Leeds Industrial Exhibition
The history of the Leeds Industrial Exhibition dates back to the first half of the 19th century, when Leeds emerged as one of Britain’s leading textile centres. The first efforts to organise industrial exhibitions in the city came from the Leeds Mechanics’ Institution, which was founded in 1824.
In 1841, the first large-scale Leeds Industrial Exhibition was held, lasting three months and attracting over 183,000 visitors — a record-breaking figure for that time.
The exhibition showcased the finest achievements in textile manufacturing, cutting-edge machinery, and technologies that improved both productivity and product quality. These early events quickly gained popularity, and by the second half of the 19th century, industrial exhibitions in Leeds became a regular occurrence. The scope also expanded to include metallurgy, engineering, agriculture, and other fields in line with the wider progress of the Industrial Revolution.
Evolution of the Leeds Industrial Exhibition Format
Over time, the Leeds Industrial Exhibition evolved into an important business forum and a place for building commercial partnerships — a significant development for the city. By the 20th century, the format of exhibitions changed to meet modern demands. The rise of mass media helped spread awareness of such specialised events to a broader audience.
Today, the industrial legacy of Leeds is preserved through extensive collections of tools, machinery, and archival materials at the Leeds Industrial Museum, housed in the former Armley Mills — once the world’s largest woollen mill, established in 1805.
In the Present Day
The legacy of the Leeds Industrial Exhibition continues through the museum’s ongoing work. Modern exhibitions in Leeds now cover diverse themes — from art and design to technology and sustainability — drawing tens of thousands of visitors from across the UK and abroad. This keeps the tradition of the Leeds Industrial Exhibition alive as a centre of innovation and industrial promotion.
For instance, in 2025, a special curated exhibition titled “Reel-ise” explored untold stories of women, people of colour, and LGBTQ+ individuals who have contributed to Leeds’ film industry.
The Leeds Industrial Museum also safeguards and displays key artefacts from the city’s textile, engineering, and printing sectors, including rare items such as one of the oldest wool spinning machines from 1871 and a fully functioning 1904 model. Its Power House Gallery features steam engine collections and a dedicated space highlighting the evolution of fashion through the efforts of local pioneers.
This is the story of the Leeds Industrial Exhibition — a legacy of creativity, progress, and pride in Leeds’ industrial roots. We hope this article offered you new insights into your city’s rich heritage.