These photos showcase a tale of two city centre arcades. They focus on Cross Arcade and County Arcade which have been welcoming shoppers for decades. They were designed by architect Frank Matcham who was also responsible for building the city Empire Arcade and the London Palladium. Cross Arcade, which now forms part of the Victoria Quarter, ran from King Edward Street, across Queen Victoria Street and then joined the County Arcade. These photos are published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. They also run heritage blog The Secret Library Leeds, which provides a behind the scenes look at the Central Library and highlights from its special collections, including rare books hidden away in the stacks. READ MORE: Go down the city centre's arcades of attraction LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. County Arcade
Completed in 1898 the sign on the previous building was replaced in 1900 by this impressive piece of metalwork. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
8. Cross Arcade
Cross Arcade, with chequered floor design, looking towards Queen Victoria Street in June 1984. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. County Arcade
Looking up at the decorative ceiling of the County Arcade, which features a dome in the centre at the point where the County Arcade, which joined by the Cross Arcade. Below the dome are four mosaics which represent Liberty, Commerce, Art and Labour; three of them can be seen here. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
10. Cross Arcade
Cross Arcade between Queen Victoria Street and King Edward Street showing the rear entrance to the Empire Arcade in June 1984. | YPN Photo: YPN
11. County Arcade
This cupola, pictured in the 1960s, was situated in the centre, where the Cross Arcade joined the County Arcade. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
12. Cross Arcade
Looking from Cross Arcade into County Arcade to the front of the Mecca Locarno Ballroom. This dancehall had opened in November 1938 and closed in 1969. A new venue had been opened in 1964 in the Merrion Centre. | YPN Photo: YPN