Hardy and Free Photography Exhibition Opens in Bradford
December 11, 2025Celebrating Yorkshire Women and Landscapes
A new outdoor photography exhibition titled Hardy and Free will be on display at Kirkgate Shopping Centre in Bradford from 16 October 2024 until 22 February 2026. This exhibition forms part of the official City of Culture 2025 events and showcases the connection between Yorkshire’s natural landscapes and local women.
About the Exhibition
The exhibition features large-scale photographic portraits by Bradford-based photographer Carolyn Mendelsohn. The project began in 2023 when Mendelsohn sought to explore the relationship between women in Yorkshire and their surrounding environments. The subjects include a diverse group of women from various backgrounds and ages, such as farmers, artists, swimmers, athletes, and gardeners.
Each portrait is set against distinctive Yorkshire landscapes, ranging from remote moorlands and waterfalls to urban parks and working farms. The exhibition aims to reflect on themes of place, identity, and creativity, encouraging viewers to consider how the local environment shapes personal and cultural identity.
Origins and Development
- Commission: Originally commissioned by the Brontë Parsonage Museum in 2023.
- Inspiration: Inspired by the Brontë family’s connection to the land around Haworth.
- Expansion: The project has since been expanded with new photographs for Bradford 2025.
- Presentation: Photographs are displayed on the exterior of Kirkgate Shopping Centre.
Audio interviews and recordings with many of the women featured in the portraits will also be available, providing further insight into their experiences and connections to the landscape.
Event Details
- Dates: 16 October 2024 – 22 February 2026
- Location: Kirkgate Shopping Centre, Darley Street, opposite Market, Bradford
- Admission: Free
This exhibition is part of a series of cultural events taking place in Bradford as the city prepares to host the UK City of Culture 2025. For more information about other events, visit the official Bradford events website.
