Leeds trail of sculptures made from pianos opens through city centre to celebrate the instrument

You might expect to find a musician playing soft piano music in Leeds’ most upmarket restaurants and bars to winers and diners - but it is rare to see one of the instruments on the street.
By Victoria Finan
Published 4th Sep 2021, 05:38 BST
Artist Tim Vincent-Smith with The Piano Cube in Leeds Central Station Photo: Gary LongbottomArtist Tim Vincent-Smith with The Piano Cube in Leeds Central Station Photo: Gary Longbottom
Artist Tim Vincent-Smith with The Piano Cube in Leeds Central Station Photo: Gary Longbottom

But that has changed this month as 10 new sculptures - all made from pianos - have gone on display across the city centre in a bid to celebrate “the craftsmanship, musicianship and long lasting impact that the world’s most famous instrument plays in our daily lives.”

The sculptures form part of the Leeds International Piano Competition that runs this month.

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They include a six-metre-tall tripod of giant elephant tusks, and a pyramid of three pianos in Leeds Central Station, which are still playable.

Pianos on Leeds' Briggate form part of the trail Photo: Gary LongbottomPianos on Leeds' Briggate form part of the trail Photo: Gary Longbottom
Pianos on Leeds' Briggate form part of the trail Photo: Gary Longbottom

The upcycled pianos have formed part of Edinburgh’s Pianodrome project, with a concurrent project set to take place in Scotland.

Pianodrome Directors, Tim Vincent-Smith and Matthew Wright said: “This is a wonderful commission and a wonderful opportunity for us to work with local artists and community groups, to explore new ideas and create new work in celebration of the role the piano has played in our lives for over 300 years. We offer this gift to the people of Leeds in the hope that it will bring joy”

The trail of 10 sculptures is free and open from today.

Related topics:LeedsEdinburghScotland