Welcome to Leeds, arty freshers. We thought we’d count down some of Leeds’ top artistic gems for you to get your teeth into:
5. Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery, Parkinson Building, University of Leeds
In at number five is the Stanley and Audrey Burton gallery. Located in the trademark Parkinson Building, this gallery houses our University’s very own art collection. The first piece of this collection was received in 1885 but since then, many works have been donated – dating as far back as the seventeenth century!
This is a small but very professional gallery with an interesting range of art forms from a number of notable artists – including Kandinsky – on display.
4. Henry Moore Institute 74 The Headrow
Next up is the Henry Moore Institute. It’s quite a big gallery with an interior which is pretty much exactly what you would expect from your standard art gallery.
The HMI is part of the Henry Moore Foundation, set up by the sculptor in 1977. The foundation’s objective is to encourage the public to appreciate the visual arts – with particular emphasis on sculpture.
In the past, the venue has explored some very niche artistic fields across a variety of events, for example; an exhibition studying modern Japanese sculpture took place this summer. The next will be Object Lessons in October which will explore Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi’s concept of learning through encounter with objects.
3. Bowery, 54 Otley Road, LS6 2AL
This café-gallery ranks highly in our list because, unlike the rest of these galleries, it promotes emerging talent that keeps viewers thinking outside-the-box when it comes to modern art.
There are many workshops for a whole host of different interests such as life drawing and creative writing. But, for me, the event this autumn will be Alexandra Oddie’s collection of recycled objects, which will be shown until 4th December.
The Bowery’s location also adds to its charm. You’ll find it right in the heart of Headingley – the popular student suburb – alongside other indie cafes and odd shops.
2. WHITECLOTHGALLERY, 24-26 Aire Street, LS1 4HT
This is actually a bar… but I promise that is not why it is our number two! White Cloth Gallery is home to two gallery rooms that are dedicated to endorsing the projects of already established artists and photographers from all over.
One of my favourite exhibitions hosted by this imaginative venue was Keith Haynes Wham Bam Thank You Ma’am which recreated some classic album covers using the Vinyl records within.
This place usually livens up after five o’clock when the yuppies head out for post-work drinks. Its rustic décor and minimalist galleries give White Cloth Gallery a fresh feel that is bound to keep art enthusiasts returning time and time again.
1. The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds, LS10 1JQ
You simply must visit The Tetley during your time at Leeds. It is new to the Leeds art scene but its first year has certainly been a big success. It has the most impressive range of exhibitions, events, workshops and projects that encapsulate almost all forms of art. From Cinema to Life Drawing and Sculpture to Painting, this art space invites the whole family to be involved with contemporary art and its latest ideas.
The venue itself was formerly the Tetley Brewery (established in 1822) so it immediately has an original atmosphere. The ground floor is dedicated to a café-bar kitted out with fine vintage furnishings, making it a quirky place to hang out if you need to calm down after all the amazing art you’ve just experienced on the floors above.
Cameron Tallant
Image: Chetwoods