Cook Up Recipe Book, on display as part of Don’t Play With Your Food, was created by the Leeds Asylum Seekers Support Network (LASSN) Tea and Talk Group in collaboration with Leeds University Library Galleries.
Galleries Student Ambassador and artist Saba Siddiqui led a creative workshop in April 2024 with the Tea and Talk Group as part of the Galleries’ ongoing Welcoming Migrants project. Saba invited the group to draw inspiration from selected items in the University’s internationally renowned Cookery Collection before writing and illustrating recipes from their own cultures. Some of the group also brought their cooked recipes in for the group to share and enjoy, much to the Gallery staff’s delight!
Food is a universal way to share one’s culture and hospitality with others, strengthen bonds between communities, and enhance social wellbeing. The book also has some recipes written in members’ native languages, providing another way to learn and share through the book. All these wonderful recipes from around the globe were drawn together into this cookbook by School of Design student, Charles Fowler.
Welcoming Migrants contributes to the University of Leeds’ wider ambition to become a University of Sanctuary. The project offers collections-based community outreach engaging with local refugees and migrants, and connects people, objects, and stories with the aim of developing skills and supporting wellbeing.
