This exhibition explores peace history in the northern English city of Leeds, from early Quaker influences in the 17th century, to the formation of the Leeds Peace Society in the 19th century to the current day. 

This ground-breaking exhibition explores the ‘hidden history’ of women peacemakers and women’s peace organisations in history and at present.

This exhibition examines peacemaking activities over the 20th century and serves as a useful introduction to peace history.

Item type: Oral History Description: Thalia tells why she started making peace banners in the early 1980s during her involvement at protests at Greenham Common, an airbase where cruise missiles were kept. 

Item type: Oral history Description: Ron tells about how he successfully represented himself at his tribunal for being a ‘conscientious objector’, or a person who refuses to fight as a combatant in war. 

Item type: Jewellery Date: 1980-1990 Description: Collection of jewellery featuring the peace/CND symbol.

Item type: Banner Date: 1981 Description: A banner displaying the text of the Universal Prayer for Peace.

Item type: Drawing Date: 1931 Description: Drawing of Mohandas “Mahatma” Gandhi drawn by Peggy Smith in 1931. On loan from the Commonweal Collection.

Item type: Basket Date: 2005 Description: Rwandan peace basket handwoven from coiled papyrus reeds by the members of Avega.

Item type: Postcard Date: 1963 = 2004 Description: Postcard symbolically showing the benefits of cooperation. This famous design was used on the posters of many peace groups.