Leeds Art Gallery

Leeds Art Gallery in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England has major collections of traditional and contemporary paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture. It has been recognised by the UK government as a collection "of national importance". The gallery was opened in 1888 as Leeds City Art Gallery, and since 1912 has had the support of the Leeds Art Collections Fund. It is owned by the public and administered by Leeds City Council.

History

The gallery was built 1886-1888 by W. H. Thorp, as an extension to the Municipal Buildings to the west (built 1878-1884 by George Corson, now housing Leeds City Library). [cite book | last = Wrathmell| first = Susan| coauthors = John Minnis| title = Leeds| series = Pevsner architectural guides| date = 2005| publisher = Yale U.P.|isbn = 0300107366| oclc = | pages =74-79| chapter = | quote = | ref = ] It is grade II listed. A major renovation was completed in June 2007, including opening up the magnificent Victorian tiled hall (used as a café and bookshop) which links the gallery and the library. At first floor level there is direct access from the gallery to the Art Library. The gallery includes a ground floor lecture theatre which is used for a variety of events.

In front of the gallery is "Victoria Square", at the eastern end of which is the city's war memorial. This square is often used for rallies and demonstrations because of the speakers' dais provided by the raised entrance to the gallery.

Notes and references

External links

* [http://www.leedsartgallery.co.uk/ Leeds Art Gallery Online]
* [http://www.leeds.gov.uk/artgallery/ Leeds Art Gallery on Leeds City Council website]
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