The Changeable Nature of Stories - Book Display Tour

Illustrator Nell Heys makes exquisite illustrations in response to myths and fairy tales and heightens their effect by encapsulating them in her handmade books. The books are lovingly bound and decorated with handmade objects giving them a talismanic quality. 

Leeds Arts University Library is proud to present Nell's first two books, Beauty and Beast (2024) and Pandora (2025).

Created for her final degree show at Leeds Arts University in 2024, Beauty & Beast was inspired by Heys’ discovering that the original author of the tale was a woman. A critique of the 17th Century marriage system, the beast was a metaphor for the real-life fears of young girls who didn't know if they were to marry a prince or beast. This year, Heys was a recipient of Leeds Arts University’s Creatives in Residence scheme, which provides support for recent graduates to realise their ambitions to develop and work on a specific project. With the support of this scheme, Heys has created her second book, Pandora, a retelling of the myth ‘Pandora's Box’ and drawing on ideas in Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’.

These books are shown alongside books that Nell has selected from the Special Collections. Join us for a guided tour to learn about Nell's illustration work and the research, concepts and processes involved in making her books. 

Practical information

This event is held inside Leeds Arts University Library. This is a free event but registration is essential. As places are limited, please be aware that booking without attending will likely prohibit others from joining the event. Tickets are not transferrable. Visitors without a ticket will not be admitted.

Our building is accessible for wheelchair users. Please contact us to discuss any additional access requirements.

Ticket holders will be met at the reception of Leeds Arts University on Blenheim Walk at 1pm and escorted to the university library. The tour will begin at 1:05pm.

Part of Leeds Arts University Collections, the Special Collection is a teaching and learning resource for students and researchers. We share items from this collection in a rolling series of small exhibitions inside the university library on Blenheim Walk. Opening times are 10:00am – 4:00pm Monday to Saturday. Booking is required for external visitors. To arrange a visit to one of our displays, please email: libraryadmin@leeds-art.ac.uk