Unveiling the Legacy of Waddingtons in New Film

As the hugely successful Leeds MONOPOLY Takeover draws to a close on September 1st, LeedsBID is excited to unveil more MONOPOLY joy with a special tribute to the city’s rich gaming heritage. In collaboration with Chapter 81, a mini-documentary has been commissioned, spotlighting Waddingtons, the legendary Leeds-based company that brought the iconic MONOPOLY game to life in the UK.

The documentary features John Watson. As a former managing director of Waddingtons Games during the 1970s, he offers an insider’s view of the company, which became Britain’s leading manufacturer of board games and playing cards. Waddingtons began producing the UK version of MONOPOLY in 1936, selecting the now-famous London properties that have become synonymous with the game.

Why Leeds?

Leeds was the birthplace of Waddingtons, a company that played a pivotal role in the gaming industry from the 1930s onward. By producing MONOPOLY, Waddingtons cemented Leeds’ place in the history of one of the world’s most beloved board games. The MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover is not just a celebration of this iconic game but also a homage to the city’s vital contribution to its legacy.

Who is Featured?

In addition to John Watson, the film also features insights from two other prominent figures who shed light on Leeds’ historical and cultural significance:

Kitty Ross, Curator of Leeds History at Leeds Museums and Galleries, provides a deep dive into the city’s past, exploring how Waddingtons became a cornerstone of Leeds’ industrial heritage.

Professor Robert Shail, Director of Research at Leeds Beckett University, offers an academic perspective on Waddingtons’ broader cultural impact and its role in shaping generations’ leisure activities.

Andrew Cooper, Chief Exec of LeedsBID says “The Waddingtons and Monopoly story is an incredible part of the history of Leeds. We were delighted to be able to further enhance our Monopoly animation this summer with such a fascinating and compelling story and honoured to have former Waddingtons MD John Watson at the front of the campaign. Hearing stories of Churchill and the company and how they also missed out on Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit are only some of the memorable moments in this brilliant film.”

“Creating our first feature-length film has been an incredible journey, and it’s an honour to start telling the story of Waddingtons and its profound connection to Leeds,” said Simon Fogal, Founder of Chapter 81. “This project allowed us to delve into the city’s rich history and celebrate the legacy of a company that played a significant role in the lives of so many. We’re thrilled to share this piece of Leeds’ heritage with the world.”

Watch the 34 minute film below…