Leeds Art Gallery
The Headrow
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS1 3AA
England
Website
Telephone
General
0113 247 8248
Education
0113 247 8254
Fax
0113 244 9689
At Leeds Art Gallery you can find some of the most outstanding works of British Art outside of London.
Venue Type:
Gallery, Museum
Leeds City Art Gallery has a Designated Collection of national importance.
An outstanding collection of English watercolours; fine Victorian academic and Pre-Raphaelite painting; late 19th century French pictures and "probably the best collection of 20th century British art outside London" (The Times) Extensive collection of modern sculpture.
Collection details
Fine Art
Key artists and exhibits
- Atkinson Grimshaw
- L.S. Lowry
- Stanley Spencer
- Andre Derain
- Henry Moore
- John Sell Cotman
- J. M. W. Turner
- Cozens
- Girtin
- Paula Rego
- Gillian Ayres
- Damien Hirst
- Alison Wilding
- Mark Wallinger
- Annelies Strba
- Tacita Dean
- Designated Collection
Becky Beasley: Spring Rain
British artist Becky Beasley explores relationships between photography and objects, the body and interiority in a way that is highly subjective and yet developed through deep immersion in the thoughts and methods of other artists and writers. Literature is particularly generative for the artist, providing her own work with a place to start from and to journey into.
The title of the exhibition is taken from a short story by Jewish American writer Bernard Malamud (1914-1986). A minimal tale of the ambiguities of everyday human relations, of things unsaid or unsayable, the story opens onto concerns that lie at the heart of Beasley’s practice. The exhibition adopts the story’s cyclical structure, offering a passage through three distinct spaces that embody distinct encounters with self and others.
Another reference central to Beasley’s thinking for this exhibition is Étant donnés (1946–1966), the canonical installation by Marcel Duchamp. Created secretly towards the end of his life, it offers a view through peepholes onto an ambiguous constructed scene. This sealed, unknowable interior that looms so large at the heart of 20th century art history informs a specially commissioned linoleum floor piece by Beasley.
The rhythms and forms of daily life are also a source of inspiration for the new work. Varieties of cucumbers proliferate throughout the exhibition
grown from seed by the artist, they operate variously as proxies for vitality, growth, reproduction and acts of tending and nurturing. Multiple brass casts of tiny gherkins form a shimmering mobile – the spring rain of the title – while a series of hand-tinted photographs of curly cucumbers shot on stark white backgrounds, like marks made on paper, push towards language.
These new works are accompanied by two displays of work by other artists selected by Beasley. The first is a grouping of Richard Hamilton’s Interiors prints, while the second consists of photographs of vegetables by Charles Jones, a Victorian gardener and self-taught photographer. These bodies of work reflect Beasley’s interest in still life and the domestic and have been significant in the development of her practice.
Arguably a wildly ambitious endeavour, like a contemporary Don Quixote, Beasley attempts to catch life in all its strangeness. Spring Rain presents a richly informed yet joyously simple and deeply enigmatic meditation on the passages of human encounter and experience.
Beasley is represented by Laura Bartlett Gallery in London and Francesca Minini in Milan.
Spring Rain is a partnership with Spike Island, Bristol.
Suitable for
Admission
Free
Polychromies: Surface, Light and Colour
In newly refurbished sculpture galleries Polychromies: Surface, Light and Colour looks at qualities of surface in bronze, marble and stone sculpture, highlighting embedded, applied and reflected colour in work that ranges from Antonio Canova to Rebecca Warren.
Following a substantial Arts Council Renaissance National Programme grant, this display celebrates and showcases the excellence of the Leeds Museums and Galleries sculpture collection. The display unfolds across all of the Sculpture Galleries over the next year.
Sculpture has often been considered in opposition to painting, as concerned with form and not with tone and colour. However, all sculpture is coloured in some way, whether it is inherent to the material or applied over the top and has surface effects, revealed by light, which are integral to the perception of the work.
The Henry Moore Institute curates the Leeds Museums and Galleries’ sculpture collection in partnership with
Leeds Art Gallery. For more information about the exhibition, visit http://www.henry-moore.org.
Admission
Free
Polychromies: Surface, Light and Colour
In newly refurbished sculpture galleries Polychromies: Surface, Light and Colour looks at qualities of surface in bronze, marble and stone sculpture, highlighting embedded, applied and reflected colour in work that ranges from Antonio Canova to Rebecca Warren.
Following a substantial Arts Council Renaissance National Programme grant, this display celebrates and showcases the excellence of the Leeds Museums and Galleries sculpture collection. The display unfolds across all of the Sculpture Galleries over the next year.
Sculpture has often been considered in opposition to painting, as concerned with form and not with tone and colour. However, all sculpture is coloured in some way, whether it is inherent to the material or applied over the top and has surface effects, revealed by light, which are integral to the perception of the work.
The Henry Moore Institute curates the Leeds Museums and Galleries’ sculpture collection in partnership with
Leeds Art Gallery. For more information about the exhibition, visit http://www.henry-moore.org.
Suitable for
Admission
Free
Talk Art
Gallery staff introduce a different artwork each month to stimulate discussion about artworks in our collection. Everyone welcome.
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
When
1:10-2pm
SatARTday Club
Drop in workshops inspired by our art collection for families who want to have fun being imaginative and creative together.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4pm
Admission
Please note: Booking is essential for larger groups
Playground: Multi Sensory
Inspired by a different Gallery artwork each month, exciting multisensory events for very young people and their carers to gain confidence in themselves as learners, explorers, discoverers and thinkers. Please wear suitable clothes.
Suitable for
- 0-4
- 5-6
When
10am-12pm
Sessions at The Gallery
An opportunity for organised groups of young people to have fun experimenting with materials and ideas and find out about what galleries do.
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
When
4:30-6pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
Talk Art
Gallery staff introduce a different artwork each month to stimulate discussion about artworks in our collection. Everyone welcome.
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
When
1:10-2pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
SatARTday Club
Drop in workshops inspired by our art collection for families who want to have fun being imaginative and creative together.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4pm
Admission
Please note: Booking is essential for larger groups
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
Playground: multi sensory
Inspired by a different Gallery artwork each month, exciting multisensory events for very young people and their carers to gain confidence in themselves as learners, explorers, discoverers and thinkers. Please wear suitable clothes.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
When
10am-12pm
Admission
Free
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
Talk Art
Gallery staff introduce a different artwork each month to stimulate discussion about artworks in our collection. Everyone welcome.
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
When
1:10-2pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
ArtiEdible
Fun family art activities inspired by our art collection and vegetables, food and stories in books. Special help available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Playschemes, please book in advance.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4:15pm
SatARTday Club
Drop in workshops inspired by our art collection for families who want to have fun being imaginative and creative together.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4pm
Admission
Please note: Booking is essential for larger groups
Talk Art
Gallery staff introduce a different artwork each month to stimulate discussion about artworks in our collection. Everyone welcome.
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
When
1:10-2pm
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