Where It Began invites us to consider themes of class, immigration and colonialism. The title serves as a metaphor that spans across timelines, from the historical relationships between the British Empire and South Asia to the arrival in Bradford of Yousefzada’s father during the wave of Commonwealth migration in the 1960s. It also speaks to the history of labour at Crofts Engineers and ideas of belonging, identity and home.

Where It Began presents work both inside and outside Cartwright Hall Art Gallery. The hall showcases handcrafted textiles, sculptures and new wrapped artworks – while outside in Lister Park, Yousefzada has given Diana the Huntress an unexpected new adornment. 

Bringing together works from Yousefzada’s recent solo show at the V&A with new works created especially for Bradford, Where It Began is the first of several events presented by Bradford 2025 leading up to our year as UK City of Culture. 

Find out more about Osman Yousefzada at osmanstudio.com.

Please note: Cartwright Hall Art Gallery is closed on Mondays. For full opening times and access information, visit bradfordmuseums.org. 

Explore the exhibition through our audio described tour. Listen to a detailed description of the exhibition spaces and the artworks in them, from the installation outside Cartwright Hall Art Gallery into the ground floor and up to the first floor.

Listen to the audio described tour.