Biography
Leeds Art Gallery, part of Leeds Museums and Galleries, was established in 1888. It is home to one of the most significant collections of twentieth-century British art in the UK. From its inception the gallery has focused on acquiring contemporary work, resulting in a rich collection of 19th and 20th-century British painting. The collection boasts important works by eminent figures such as Francis Bacon, Jacob Epstein, Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore. Recent acquisitions have included works by Paula Rego, Bridget Riley and Georgina Starr. Through the support of the Henry Moore Foundation over the last twenty years, Leeds has assembled a renowned collection of modern British sculpture, including works by Richard Wilson, Antony Gormley, Alison Wilding and Bill Woodrow.
The gallery participated in the Contemporary Art Society Special Collection Scheme (1997-2004) to develop its collection to feature contemporary installation and film work. Recent acquisitions have included major works by Tacita Dean and Mark Wallinger. Leeds hosts a number of temporary exhibitions displaying a variety of contemporary works in conjunction with the changing displays of its permanent collection.
