A book that celebrates the work of Leeds’ Civic Architect, John Thorp, is officially launched on Monday 23 April 2012 at the Civic Hall in Leeds City Centre.

Titled ‘From the Tile to the City’ it is a journey through civic architecture and design in the city of Leeds illustrating John Thorp’s 40 year participation in the transformation of Leeds from an industrial  city to a vibrant 21st century city region.

The book goes on sale on Tuesday 24 April and is available from the Leeds Art Gallery and Leeds City Museum shops and priced at £20. All proceeds will go to The Lord Mayor’s Charity Appeal, which is supporting Voluntary Action Leeds.  Every high school, sixth form college, further and higher education institute and the universities in Leeds will be given a copy for their library.

Commissioned by the Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Charitable Foundation, in association with Leeds City Council, the book includes examples of architecture, urban design and regeneration from across the city. It not only celebrates Leeds’ rich architectural history including Holbeck and architectural gems like the Leeds Town Hall, but it also celebrates the regeneration of the city from the 1970s to date, including the creation of Millenium Square and all its surrounding buildings to present day with the construction of the Leeds Arena.

Edward Ziff, Trustee of the Foundation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Town Centre Securities PLC said: “We have been delighted to assist in the production of this book in recognition of our family’s association with the city of Leeds over half a century. We believe ‘From the Tile to the City’ will become essential reading as an approach to city making. It is a thought provoking and fascinating book which anyone who has an interest in architecture, cities and indeed Leeds itself should take a look at.”

Councillor Keith Wakefield, Leader of Leeds City Council said: “John Thorp has made an outstanding contribution to Leeds over the last 40 years and played an integral role in the architectural development of the city. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in how Leeds has transformed itself into a modern, vibrant city while retaining its rich heritage. This work continues today through the groundbreaking and innovative Leeds Arena and Trinity Leeds projects which mark a new chapter in the history of the city.”

Leeds Civic architect John Thorp said: “Leeds has both a richness in its architectural character and a great diversity within its broad, landscape setting - qualities which distinguish it from many other cities.

The book describes approaches to design which spring from responses to those contrasts between the fine detail of the city's fabric - exemplified by 'The Tile' - and the interwoven spaces and landscapes which form 'The City'.  We have attempted to capture this interaction through stories of the gradual transformation of pieces of the city, changes based upon their rich historical legacies.

This particular architectural journey is presented alongside the many, continuing contributions to the evolution of our remarkable city and its region.”

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