I am back in the UK to begin researching the Leeds United 100th Anniversary Dream Scene. This is one of my favourite parts of the creative process. Immersing myself in the history and culture of a club.
This project is the first one in Europe that has come through word of mouth rather than me approaching a club. It seems that the hard work over the past 3 years producing Dream Scene projects for Real Madrid, Hull KR, Sheffield Wednesday, Liverpool FC and Manchester City has earned me some credit in the football world here. It is a very satisfying feeling.
After 28 hours in transit from Melbourne to London, I hopped straight in a car and with one hand on the faulty GPS on my phone, I drove an hour and a half to West ham United’s London stadium for a meeting about their 125th Anniversary next year. I was a little dazed and confused I must admit but the response to the concept was very positive.
Then a double espresso and 4 .5 hour drive up to Leeds. One of the joys of these trips is finding beautiful and interesting places to stay. After 35 in transit it was amazing to land… here.
Oulton Hall, on the outskirts of Leeds and surrounded by a 27 hole golf course. HELLO!
I had a great day today with my first visit to Elland Road where I took the stadium tour.
I have found that every Club has “The One”. Not the only “One” as there are always several significant people who shape a culture, especially over a century… but often there is one person who seems to be the face of a club. Meet Billy Bremner. LUFC’s favourite son.
Tomorrow I’m going to watch the team in action as they fight to keep their Premier League promotion hopes alive against Aston Villa. With everything on the line, the atmosphere is going to be incredible. Cant wait!
Also a little family synchronicity. My father studied at Leeds Uni back in the 1950’s.
