New exhibition celebrating work of Grounds & Gardens team opens

Last updated on 16 April 2024

A photography exhibition created by a Facilities Directorate colleague that celebrates the work of the University’s Grounds & Gardens team has opened.

‘Behind the greens’, which is the work of Cleaning Services team member Rosa Quintana, will be on display in the Refectory foyer until Thursday 14th March.

Rosa, who has a professional background in photography, shadowed the team throughout the year to capture 24 striking images of colleagues working through sun, rain and snow to keep campus in top condition.

Rosa’s latest exhibition

It is the second time that Rosa has exhibited her work at the University after her 2022 exhibition ‘Unobtrusive Impact’, which focused on the vital efforts of the University’s Cleaning Services team in keeping the University safe during the pandemic.

She said:

“Gardeners make our walks around the university more pleasant. Everyone likes green areas around us. We enjoy them, we take advantage of the peace and beauty that they generate.

“We rarely stop to think who is behind it all, making possible the colours of every season. Who plants, who feeds, who takes care of and looks after the plants and trees around us?

“These people who do everything from looking after the green areas, keeping the campus clean and even the bins empty. These almost hidden people enrich our experience so subtly.”

Recognising the hard work of the team

Rob Wadsworth, Director of Campus Innovation at the University of Leeds, said:

“Rosa’s exhibition celebrates the important and often tireless work of our Grounds and Gardens team, who make sure that our campus looks its best all-year round.

“This work is an example of what our teams within our Facilities Directorate can achieve when we collaborate and shines a light on the role our directorate plays in ensuring that students and staff are in an environment where they can flourish, succeed and make a difference.”

Find out more about Rosa’s work by visiting her portfolio website.

You can share your favourite photos of the exhibition by tagging @UoLCampusDevelopment on Instagram.