Two new heritage panels have been unveiled in Leicester, honouring the city’s deep ties with the renowned Attenborough family.
Located on a double-sided display in Victoria Park—fittingly close to the University of Leicester’s Attenborough Building—the panels explore the family’s enduring impact on the city.
Picture credit: Leicester City Council
The official unveiling was attended by notable guests, including Michael Attenborough CBE (son of Lord Richard Attenborough), Dr Robert Attenborough (son of Sir David Attenborough), and family biographer Richard Graves. City Mayor Peter Soulsby, Assistant City Mayor for Culture Cllr Vi Dempster, and staff from the university and city council museums service were also present.
One panel, titled The Attenborough Family, highlights the legacy of Frederick Attenborough, who became principal of University College (now the University of Leicester) in 1932. The family moved to Leicester that year, and Frederick’s three sons—Richard, David, and John—were raised on campus and attended Wyggeston Boys School.
Lord Richard Attenborough achieved global acclaim as an actor and director, known for films such as The Great Escape and Jurassic Park. He won the Academy Award for Best Director in 1982 for Gandhi.
Sir David Attenborough, a beloved naturalist and broadcaster, has educated generations through landmark series like Zoo Quest, Life on Earth, Wildlife on One, Planet Earth, and Blue Planet, with a career spanning over 70 years.
John Attenborough pursued a successful career in the motor industry, leading the Rolls-Royce division of Mann Egerton and later heading British operations for Alfa Romeo.
The second panel, titled Mary Attenborough, focuses on the humanitarian work of the family matriarch. During the Spanish Civil War, Mary provided shelter at Evington Hall for 50 unaccompanied child refugees and later adopted Jewish girls fleeing Nazi Germany. A lifelong advocate for women’s rights, she continued her activism until her death.
The Attenboroughs have long had a strong relationship with Leicester Museum and Art Gallery. Mary’s influence helped the museum engage with refugee communities and collect German Expressionist art. Sir David was a frequent visitor, inspired by its natural history displays, and Lord and Lady Attenborough donated the museum’s Picasso Collection of ceramics.
The panels also highlight city landmarks named after the family and include portraits of David and Richard Attenborough by artist Bryan Organ, displayed at the museum.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said:
“The Attenboroughs are synonymous with Leicester. Having met several family members, I’ve always been struck by their warmth and deep connection to the city. We made Lord Attenborough and Sir David freemen of the city in 1990. It’s wonderful to now honour the entire family, including Mary’s work with refugees, through these heritage panels.”
Cllr Vi Dempster added:
“Our heritage panels are a fantastic way to explore Leicester’s rich history—from Roman times to the modern day. The Attenboroughs are a shining example of individuals who’ve helped shape our city and raise its profile.”
Since 2014, Leicester has installed 375 heritage panels as part of the Story of Leicester project, which celebrates over 2,000 years of local history. The panels are grouped by themes, each colour-coded for easy identification, and offer insights into the people, places, and events that have defined Leicester’s past.
To learn more, visit: www.storyofleicester.info
