Students secure Yoko Ono and Mary McCartney artworks for ambitious new exhibition

Two Leeds School of Arts students have curated a major exhibition that brings together works by internationally renowned artists alongside contributions from across the university community. From My Bed, which opens to the public on Wednesday 29 April, examines art created from the bed – whether through illness, financial necessity, or political protest.

The exhibition was originally conceived by Joanne Tiffany, a Level 6 Fine Art student, and developed in collaboration with MA Fine Art student Abbie Bruff. The pair have spent months negotiating loans from institutions including Leeds Art Gallery and Wakefield Mental Health Museum and have secured permissions for works from the studios of both Mary McCartney and Yoko Ono.

Among the highlights is a photograph by Mary McCartney titled Being Frida (2000), which depicts artist Tracey Emin – known for her celebrated My Bed piece – dressed as Frida Kahlo, who created much of her work from her bed following a serious accident. McCartney's studio has agreed to gift the work – an authenticated studio proof c-print – to Leeds Beckett's collection following the exhibition.

The exhibition also features live musical contributions from Leeds-based singer-songwriter duo Milly Renu (Milly Renu and Poppy Hartley), who perform dreamy indie-folk inspired by the female experience and personal introspection.

Dr Alan Dunn, Reader in Art & Design, Leeds Beckett University, said: “Joanne and Abbie have done an amazing job communicating directly with artists’ studios, museums and galleries... the chosen theme has really struck a chord with so many people and artworks, seeing the bed as a safe private space that has, on occasion, become the artists' only ‘studio space’ from which to create.”

The project has also involved Level 5 Graphic Design student Jude Drake, who produced all promotional materials, alongside partner organisations Outside-In and In-Transit, who will deliver workshops on audio descriptions and diversifying access.

Joanne Tiffany, L6 Fine Art student, said: “From My Bed has been enlightening and difficult for me. Finding so many connections and seeing so many connect with the theme has been a positive... the White Column has assisted me in developing my curatorial practice and built the confidence to reach out, craft connections and collaborate.”

Abbie Bruff, MA Fine Art, added: “Co-curating From My Bed has pushed me deeper into not only my practice, but my understanding of how exhibitions happen. I am thrilled to have helped create an exhibition that resonates with people.”

Exhibition details

Opening event: Wednesday 29 April, 2-4pm – public welcome, live music included – attendance at the opening event is ONLY through registering via Eventbrite.

After that, the exhibition is only ‘open’ for the public to view through the front windows and via the website, due to the nature of our White Column space. 

Venue: White Column project space, Broadcasting Place 'B' Building (ground floor), Leeds Beckett University

Dates: 29 April-8 May 2025

More information: https://whitecolumn.art/from-my-bed