A Dragon's Tale
A mischievous dragon is making its debut at this year’s International Medieval Congress (IMC) – and it’s got quite the story to tell.
An image found in the archive.
When thousands of delegates descend on campus for IMC 2025 – running from 7-10 July – they’ll be able to explore a vibrant hub of activity, from the Parkinson Building to Esther Simpson.
Three bustling fairs will feature more than 60 publishers, craftspeople and historians from across the UK and beyond, exhibiting their wares and building connections with attendees.
Among the many treasures on offer, the IMC Souvenir Stand will be open in the LUU Foyer throughout the week for delegates to collect pre-ordered items or browse for a memento of their time at the congress.
And this year’s official souvenirs feature a new star: a box-shaped dragon with a cheeky grin and an unexpected backstory!
“This quirky image was discovered in the archive of Jane Oakshott,” explained Dr Marta Cobb, Senior Congress Officer and curator of the IMC’s programme of events, performances and exhibitions.
“Jane studied at the Graduate Centre for Medieval Studies (GCMS) at Leeds – the precursor to today’s Institute for Medieval Studies – and, together with fellow medievalists, staged a groundbreaking production of the York Mystery Plays on campus in May 1975, using pageant wagons for the first time in centuries.”
Unexpected discovery
While preparing a display for this year’s IMC to mark the production’s 50th anniversary, Marta and Jane were digging through materials in the University’s Special Collections. Among folders of letters, receipts and handwritten notes, something unusual stood out.
“A lively drawing of a dragon caught my eye,” Marta said. “It had a box-like shape and a mischievous expression. When I asked Jane about it, she put me in touch with Helen Taylor, the original artist.”
As it turned out, the dragon didn’t come from the Mystery Plays at all, but from a smaller student performance that took place earlier.
Marta explained: “Fifty years ago, Jane and Helen were both living at Tetley Hall in Headingley and studying at the GCMS. Alongside their housemates, they created a traditional mummers’ play – and that’s where the dragon, called Heartless, first appeared.
“Heartless imprisoned Beauty and was eventually defeated by the hero Intelligence – with a little help from some doctors and half a pint of Tetley’s!”
Designing the dragon
So, how did the dragon end up looking like it does?
“Helen told me she was inspired by a conversation with her mother,” said Marta. “Her mother had designed a ceramic tray featuring a heraldic dolphin, and they’d talked about how to fit designs onto specific shapes such as jugs and shields or even in architectural details like spandrels. When I saw the dolphin, I immediately recognised the same glint in its eye as the dragon.”
A heraldic dolphin
Helen stayed involved in the arts after graduating from Leeds. She became a teacher, worked at the National Railway Museum and served as wardrobe mistress for a local theatre group. This role blended her love of research and design with the practical skills she honed as a student – not to mention the clever creativity that comes from working within tight budgets!
Marta added: “As a current member of the Institute for Medieval Studies – the successor to the GCMS – I’m proud to be part of this legacy. Students still flock to Leeds to study the Middle Ages, and the Institute continues to bring medievalists together from across the University, creating a public programme that connects students, scholars and the wider community.”
Now, 50 years on, Heartless the dragon lives again – not on stage, but on t-shirts, tote bags and notebooks available at the IMC Souvenir Stand. From a playful student sketch to an enduring symbol of the spirit of medieval studies at Leeds, this dragon really does have a tale worth telling!
Coming soon to the IMC souvenir stand!