Leicester is marking Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday by celebrating the deep ties between the national treasure and the city that helped shape his love of the natural world.
Sir David moved to Leicester in 1932 when his father, Frederick, became Principal of what is now the University of Leicester. He attended Wyggeston Grammar School for Boys and regularly visited Leicester Museum & Art Gallery, where he also volunteered — an experience he later described as having ‘a profound effect on my career.’
The museum has created a dedicated webpage featuring archive photos and footage to mark the milestone, and visitors can view a portrait of Sir David by Leicester-born artist Bryan Organ, commissioned for his 90th birthday in 2016.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: ‘Sir David's extraordinary career has inspired millions across the world, but his story began right here in Leicester. We are immensely proud of the role our city and our museum played in nurturing his early fascination with the natural world.’
