Leeds Art Gallery

Leeds Art Gallery is home to arguably one of the best collections of 20th century British art outside the capital. Its doors were opened for ‘business’ on October 3rd 1888 under the instigation of one Colonel T. Walter Harding. There was no real collection to start with and the decision was taken not to purchase Old Masters or 18th century portraits. Instead they decided to concentrate on the acquisition of what was then contemporary British Art. Early works joining the collections included Pre-Raphaelites such as William Holman Hunt and their acolytes Lord Leighton and John William Waterhouse.

Local painters including Atkinson Grimshaw were also purchased. Over the years contemporary painting were introduced to the collection which now boasts such well-known artists from the region, as Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Jacob Kramer, Vivian Pitchforth, as well as work by a range of contemporary artists including Paula Rego, Bridget Riley, Tony Cragg and Antony Gormley. In 1997 the collection was designated by the government as being of national importance. The internationally acclaimed collection of works on paper featuring great British artists including Turner, Cotman, Cozens and Girtin is a magnet for enthusiast from far and wide. Recent acquisitions include works by Bill Woodrow, Mark Wallinger, Stephen Willats and Alison Wilding. Through the generous support of the Henry Moore Foundation, the Gallery has bought many important sculptures and can boast a modern sculpture collection bettered only by that of the Tate Gallery.