News / 09 Nov 2026
Laimonis Mieriņš documentary debuts at Leeds Arts University
Alumni
‘The Lines We Draw’, a documentary celebrating the work, life and influence of artist and teacher Laimonis Mieriņš, made its debut at a preview screening hosted at Vernon Street.
Laimonis Mieriņš (1929-2011), affectionately known by many as “Lem”, first came to the UK from Latvia in 1947. After studying at Leeds Arts University (then Leeds College of Art) and Goldsmiths, he returned to the University to teach life drawing from 1965-1994, and became a legendary figure for his uncompromising and eccentric approach to teaching, whose impact lasts to this day.
"Lem taught me how to draw at Jacob Kramer College, and I’m still drawing the same way he taught me, 46 years later. I still have his words ringing in my ears when I’m drawing. He taught me to be bold and confident with my lines, which is sound advice not just when sketching but in life generally."
Phil Dean, Founder of Studio Certain
‘The Lines We Draw’ was created by Studio Certain, a creative studio founded by alumni Phil Dean (also known as the Shoreditch Sketcher), who studied under Mieriņš at the University in the early 80s. The documentary spans across London, Leeds, and Latvia, taking us to Mieriņš’ unchanged home studio in Saltaire, Leeds Arts University, and a major retrospective exhibition of his work in Latvia. Including interviews and reflections from former students, artists, curators, and his widow Ilga, the film charts Mieriņš’ journey and continued influence on the generations shaped by his way of seeing.
“It is the measure of the man that his influence is far and wide in the creative community in Leeds and beyond. We wanted to tell that story and the impact he has had on many, many lives. There was little documentary evidence of Lem' life and his influence and the more we discovered, the more we wanted to make the documentary. It was a story that just had to be told.”
Phil Dean, Founder of Studio Certain
Leeds Arts University hosted the first public screening of the documentary at Vernon Street on 29 October 2026, the same building that Mieriņš studied at and taught within, and coincided with the University’s continued 180th anniversary celebrations.
'It was a wonderful and quite nerve-wracking evening to be honest! We have been working on the film for almost 2 years so for it finally to be screened felt like a real moment. Paul, Millie and the wider team have put their heart and soul into it, and it shows. The audience reaction was overwhelming — many in the audience knew Lem and the general consensus was that it was a fitting tribute to him.”
Phil Dean, Founder of Studio Certain