A new photography exhibition celebrating diversity and individuality in maternity has opened at Thackray Museum of Medicine, in collaboration with the maternity service at Leeds Teaching Hospitals (LTHT) and Lens Lab Project, a non-profit arts organisation who are based locally in Burmantofts.
The photos were taken at Maternal Journal art classes last summer, which enabled pregnant women to come together, share their experiences, and express themselves through creative activities including bump casting, painting and collage making.
The classes were organised by the Maternity Health Equity team, whose work aims to address disparities and health inequalities for those accessing maternity care in Leeds. Maternal Journal classes brought women from diverse communities together, in collaboration with midwives, to share important information and discuss maternity related topics.
Classes were held every week in Chapeltown, helping women living in the nearby communities to take part close to home in an inclusive and welcoming environment. Many participants highlighted the sense of safety and trust they felt, which encouraged them to openly discuss their feelings and challenges during pregnancy. The classes were run by qualified midwives at no cost, thanks to funding from Leeds Hospitals Charity.
Natalya, who is a midwife in Leeds and also attended Maternal Journal classes is featured in the exhibition with her daughter Zoya. She said:
“The maternal journal sessions created a safe and judgement free space where we could explore the joys and difficulties of being a parent through a creative outlet. As a mother, I’m grateful that I was able to attend these sessions and experience first-hand how beneficial creative journaling can be for mental health and wellbeing. As a midwife, I’m really proud to work for a trust that has provided this opportunity for so many women and birthing people in the community! It’s a privilege to be part of this exhibition and stand with this amazing group of mothers who reflect the strength, beauty and individuality of our maternity community here in Leeds.”
Bianca, who gave birth earlier this year, is also featured. She said:
“Maternal Journal provided me with a beautiful lifeline at a time that can prove challenging and lonely. Being a creative soul – I am a singer/songwriter, musician and a Yoga facilitator – I yearned for a sense of sisterhood and community during this journey of pregnancy. Being able to find that in this space whilst channelling my inner artist is a memory and experience I will cherish forever. Nada, the course facilitator, brought the vibrance and creative support, and my fellow course mates – the love and fulfilment. Thank you for this wonderful offering, I hope funding flows to this initiative, and it continues.”
Using photography was a powerful way to capture stories and identities, and engage and interact with some of the people who are currently using or have recently used Leeds Maternity Services.
The outcome of this project has been a rich and varied collection of imagery which highlights empowerment, difference, identity, culture and choice – all powerful themes that maternity professionals consider when planning holistic, safe and compassionate care.
The exhibition formed part of a health equity education event in November which was organised by the maternity team in collaboration with Leeds Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP). It was attended by doctors, midwives and maternity support workers from St James’s Hospital and Leeds General Infirmary, as well as local and regional maternity leaders.
Jenny Roddy, Consultant Midwife Health Equity at LTHT said:
“We are delighted with the photo exhibition, which is a real celebration of empowerment and motherhood. Our work as a Health Equity team is driven by listening to patient voices to truly understand experiences and make improvements.
“Maternal Journal classes played an important role in bringing people from different cultures and communities together, enabling them to feel safe to ask questions and discuss topics including baby’s movements and breastfeeding. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, who found it a meaningful way to express themselves through art while also reducing social isolation and improving peer to peer connection, particularly for those who are refugees or new to the UK.”
Benedict Phillips, creative director at Lens Lab Project, said: “As the only nonprofit arts organisation specialising in working with photography in Leeds, we chose to work with Lizzie Coombes and Jo Craddock on this project. They are both experienced photographers and also mothers who live nearby. We feel that lived experience can bring an understanding and sensitivity to working with people.
“Building connections, understanding and empathy is for us core in the way that we develop our photographic practice as an organisation. We are delighted with the work we’re presenting, from the captured moments and gestures to the formal portraits. It has been a pleasure to curate this show and to get to know the women and the project through this beautiful photography.”
The ‘Through My Eyes’ photo exhibition is on display in Thackray Museum of Medicine until May 2025.
