Leeds Art Gallery

Offering free admission to all, the city centre Leeds Art Gallery is blessed with a fine historic collection of British paintings and sculptures. Its 20th century works in particular come highly recommended, and were designated a collection of national importance by the British government in 1997. The gallery is housed in a striking Grade II* listed building, sandwiched on one side by Leeds Central Library and linked by bridge on the other to the adjoining Henry Moore institute, with which it shares several sculptures. It also presents the prestigious Northern Art Prize as part of a dynamic calendar of contemporary, changing exhibitions and events. 

Must see pieces in the gallery’s collection include Edward Armitage’s painting Retribution and Auguste Rodin’s sculpture The Age Of Bronze, as well as more works from Francis Bacon, Henry Moore, Evelyn De Morgan, Antony Gormley and Jacob Epstein. At its entrance, you can’t possibly miss the Henry Moore sculpture Reclining Woman: Elbow (1981), and in the light-filled entry hall you’ll find Leeds’ first ever civic sculpture, a marble statue of Queen Anne dating back to 1712, alongside the bright and beautiful work of Lothar Götz. 

Collection artworks from the 19th century and earlier are housed in the lower galleries alongside its sculpture and temporary exhibitions, whilst up above visitors can explore more contemporary works from the collection alongside a changing selection of interesting displays. The former Queen’s gallery, renamed after local businessman and patron of the arts Arnold Ziff, displays a notable collection of Victorian art including favourites like John Atkinson Grimshaw. 

The gallery building is also home to a magnificent Victorian tiled hall café and bookshop that directly links it with the adjoining Leeds central library. Here, those wanting to take a break from being on their feet can relax with a hot cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy a cake or a light bite to eat. From the gallery above, visitors can also directly access the Art Library and browse its collection of books, journals, exhibition catalogues, pamphlets, zines, prints and more.

For families, Artspace offers a creative outlet with art materials and fun activities inspired by the gallery collections. Here, little ones are encouraged to draw, interact and play, and during school holidays they also get the opportunity to meet the gallery’s artist in residence. 

With a breadth of sculpture, paintings, new media and more by significant artists, Leeds Art Gallery is a magnificent addition to the city’s cultural landscape and definitely worth a visit for any art lovers curious about famous 20th century British works.