Brian has been cutting hair in Leeds Kirkgate Market since 1981. In this short documentary, he reflects on his journey into barbering, his passion for the craft, and the uncertainty of his future at the market.

 

The film is part of The People’s History of Leeds, an oral history project by Mojo Create, in partnership with Leeds Older People’s Forum and Leeds Museums and Galleries, funded by the Heritage Lottery. The project shares the city's stories through its people, with older writers helping collect and tell them.

One writer was especially drawn to the traders of Kirkgate Market and soon met Brian, who had been a barber there for over 40 years. After publishing his story on the project website, the team saw its potential on film.

 

They worked with Brian to create a warm, personal portrait of a beloved local figure, filmed in his shop on his day off. The result is a heartfelt companion to the written story, celebrating both Brian and the market’s spirit.