The Coolest Art Galleries to Visit Across Yorkshire
Here are just a few of our favourite art galleries to see and buy the best art in Yorkshire
York Art Gallery
York Art Gallery’s art collection spans more than 600 years, from 14th century Italian panels to 20th century works by LS Lowry and David Hockney, and this gallery also holds the most extensive and representative collection of British Studio Ceramics. The Studio here overlooks the Artist’s Garden and allows visitors of all ages to engage with art. Don’t miss the Decorative Arts collection of more than 3,000 pieces including ceramics and glassware, and from 10th May see Monet in York: The Water-Lily Pond, which marks the 200th anniversary of the National Gallery.
Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EW
yorkartgallery.org.uk
Leeds University Library Galleries
History buff? Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery is for you. From literary classics to medieval manuscripts, immerse yourself in the past and discover something new. Art lover? The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery will supply your cultural fix. Take a mindful moment in this oasis of calm, surrounded by stunning art from the 17th century to the present day. The Galleries are based in the Parkinson Building, a short walk from Leeds city centre, and are free and open to all.
Parkinson Building, Woodhouse Lane, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT
library.leeds.ac.uk/galleries
The Station
The Station is a vibrant creative space in Richmond. The three distinctive gallery spaces, the Mezzanine, Platform and Artisan, host a dynamic programme of events throughout the year featuring new and established artists, and the artwork on display in the exhibitions can be purchased from The Station Shop. This year The Station are hosting a new series of curated exhibitions which aim to offer an accessible platform for more local and regional artists to join the talented range of exhibitors. Midsummer Magic (21st June–2nd July) takes place right after the summer solstice and across midsummer’s day, featuring the creations of up to nine artists who have captured the essence of this brief season.
Station Yard, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10 4LD
01748 828259
thestation.co.uk
Heart Gallery
Since 2006, Heart Gallery has grown to be a go-to destination for art-lovers in Hebden Bridge offering original artwork, jewellery, crafts and curated collections of gifts for sale. Visitors can expect to find work by around 90 emerging and established artists and makers, including printmaker Luke Holcombe and painter Donna Flowers-Dorning, so there’s plenty to inspire your next purchase.
The Arts Centre, 4a Market Street, Hebden Bridge HX7 6AA
heartgallery.co.uk
Heather Burton Yorkshire Artist
Heather is an award-winning artist specialising in palette knife paintings. Much of her work is inspired by the Yorkshire, Lakes and Scottish landscapes and the rugged Yorkshire coastline, but she also enjoys large-scale figurative, horse and still life paintings. Based near Howden, East Yorkshire, Heather is represented by a number of galleries across the North and also welcomes studio visits by appointment. She accepts commissions and runs workshops from home and for art groups.
07941 742486
heatherburtonyorkshireartist.co.uk
Hope Gallery
Within this independent fine art gallery on Old Gate in Hebden Bridge, visitors can expect to see a range of work by both UK and international artists – think original art, printmaking, photography and ceramics. Curarent featured artists include Devon-based ceramicist Anne Smith, Hamburg-based contemporary artist Helen Shulkin and County Durham painter Lisa House, and the gallery also offers a seven-day home approval service.
Hebble House, Old Gate, Hebden Bridge HX7 6EN
hopegallery.co.uk
The Geall Gallery
The Geall Gallery is home to artwork by local landscape oil painter and potter Chris Geall and we love his oil paintings of the North York Moors and the North East coastline. If you visit during the week, you’ll find him at the back of the gallery painting away, and he’s always happy to tell you more about his work. You’ll also find art from artist in residence Abigail Featherstone, who creates bright and beautiful detailed illustrative landscapes featuring our favourite local landmarks. The gallery also exhibits a large amount of artwork from other local artists such as sculpture, glass, pottery and jewellery.
Front Street, Grosmont YO22 5QE
01947 895007
chrisgeall.com
abigailfeatherstone.com
Lucy Pittaway
Each of award-winning artist Lucy Pittaway’s charming creations has a personal story behind it, with much of her inspiration coming from her life in the Yorkshire Dales. If mischievous pets, adorable sheep or Northern landmarks are your thing then expect to be spoilt for choice. Visit one of her galleries across Yorkshire (in York, Harrogate, Brompton, Richmond and Yarm) where friendly and knowledgeable art consultants can help you find the perfect original artwork to take home, or guide you through their extensive range of homewares, gifts and stationery.
Galleries Yorkshirewide
lucypittaway.co.uk
The Robert Fuller Gallery
Robert Fuller’s extraordinarily detailed paintings of animals, ranging from the humble hedgehog to majestic big cats, have quite rightly earned him a reputation as one of Britain’s foremost wildlife artists. As well as original paintings, his gallery stocks a whole range of gifts, homewares, stationery and clothing featuring his most popular designs. Find out more about his artwork at livingnorth.com.
Fotherdale Farm, Thixendale, Malton YO17 9LS
01759 368355
robertefuller.com
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Within 500 acres of 18th-century landscaping, Yorkshire Sculpture Park displays inspiring and ever-changing exhibitions throughout the year, both indoors and outdoors. It’s the largest sculpture park of its kind in Europe and a leading international centre for modern and contemporary sculpture. Visitors this spring can see Yukihiro Akama’s largest exhibition to date (of 52 works) indoors in the YSP Centre; the first UK museum display of work by North American artist Daniel Arsham outdoors; and four major sculptures by Damien Hirst in the Country Park.
West Bretton WF4 4LG
01924 832631
ysp.org.uk
BlandsCliff Gallery and Studio
This artist-run gallery in Scarborough is worth a visit just to see the incredible murals that now cover the building. Inside you’ll find a fantastic variety of sculptures, paintings and ceramics. Visit from 4th May to see their new exhibition bringing together the work of more than 20 artists under the umbrella of The Australian Landscape.
9 Blands Cliff, Scarborough YO11 1NR
01723 367252
blandscliffgallery.com
The Hepworth
The Hepworth Wakefield (within Wakefield’s historic waterfront) is named after art icon Barbara Hepworth and presents major exhibitions of the best international modern and contemporary art. Visitors here can discover Wakefield’s growing art collection as well as enjoying art fairs and markets throughout the year. Yorkshire artist James Oughtibridge has created a range of limited edition ceramics exclusively to buy from The Hepworth Wakefield and you can even spread the cost of your purchase over 10 months with an interest-free loan. As a charity, all shop purchases here support the gallery directly.
Gallery Walk, Wakefield WF1 5AW
01924 247360
hepworthwakefield.org
Masham Gallery
This small, independent gallery has a sweet, homey vibe to it and is packed with paintings, prints, sculpture, ceramics and glasswork. Whether you’re looking for a trinket or a landscape to fill a wall, it’s always worth popping in to see what’s new here. Visit before 6th May to see Ian Scott Massie’s evocative paintings of the rooftop views in UK cities, and Simon Palmer’s watercolours of the landscape surrounding Masham. From 10th May, their exhibition The River Runs Through will bring together a collection of painters and printmakers exploring rivers in their work.
24 Market Place, Masham HG4 4EB
01765 689554
mashamgallery.co.uk
Inspired by… gallery
In the heart of the North York Moors National Park, Inspired by… gallery hosts a dynamic programme of exhibitions and events, whilst also showcasing local and national artists and offering creative workshops. When you visit the gallery, you’re invited to write a postcard or create a small piece of art which will then be distributed through Revival North Yorkshire to older or more isolated local people. From 18th May visitors can see Connections with Nature, an exhibition of Dennis Roddam’s artwork and ceramics influenced by the diversity and beauty of nature within the North York Moors.
Danby Lodge National Park Centre, Danby, Whitby YO21 2NB
northyorkmoors.org.uk
Ashley Jackson Gallery
Ashley Jackson has been documenting the landscape of the Yorkshire Moors in brooding watercolours for over 60 years now. As well as offering visitors the chance to view his watercolours, his gallery sells small originals, prints and a variety of gifts and homeware featuring his art. If you are interested in making a bigger investment, we recommend organising a private viewing with the gallery.
13/15 Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth, Huddersfield HD9 2JR
01484 686460
ashley-jackson.co.uk
The Tracy Savage gallery
Tracy has always loved drawing, painting and creating and this year she’s celebrating 10 years of her Scarborough gallery. In 2005 she began painting full time, opening her painting studio to the public, then three years later opened her first gallery in Hornsea. In her Scarborough gallery she continues to exhibit her work, and living on the Yorkshire coast means she’s always surrounded by inspiration for her next piece. Visitors to the gallery can browse Tracy’s limited edition prints and originals including her stunning atmospheric coastal and more than 50 large canvas limited editions.
St Nicholas Cliff, Scarborough YO11 2ES
01723 378516
tracysavage.co.uk
Claire Baxter
Claire Baxter’s heartwarming depictions of everyday life and small moments between loved ones are predominantly set against her favourite locations in and around North Yorkshire. Her skill has earned her fans globally, but you’ll need to head to North Yorkshire to visit her two dedicated galleries. As well as original oil paintings, she also sells plenty of prints, cards and calendars.
31 High Street, Pateley Bridge HG3 5JZ
01423 712374
3 Castlegate, Knaresborough HG5 8AR
01423 457075
clairebaxterfineart.co.uk
Leeds Art Gallery
Leeds Art Gallery’s ever-changing exhibition programme runs alongside their exciting collection of modern and contemporary art. The entrance hall is home to sculptures by Antony Gormley, the Ziff Gallery displays a collection of Victorian art and the East Gallery showcases a collection of 20th century modernist art. Don’t miss Nothing Lasts Forever: Peter Mitchell from 17th May – this photographer is known for documenting Leeds’s streets and buildings in photographs throughout his career.
The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AA
museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
Bridlington Old Town Gallery & Information Point
The 21 permanent artists and craftspeople at Bridlington Old Town Gallery display an eclectic mix of works alongside a monthly-changing guest artist. Visitors to this gallery, nestled in the historic Old Town of Bridlington, will enjoy browsing a range of fine art originals, prints, photography, crafts, sculptures, gifts and greetings cards in this relaxed setting. Featured artists include Bridlington artists Bob and Gilli Smith and Elizabeth Morling who paints the most stunning Yorkshire scenes.
45 High Street, Old Town, Bridlington YO16 4PR
bridlingtonoldtowngallery.wordpress.com
Sunny Bank Mills art Gallery
Located in the heart of West Leeds, Sunny Bank Mills Gallery is housed in the Mills’ light and airy former cloth warehouse. Showcasing the work of artists and makers from Yorkshire and beyond, the gallery is invested in developing the next generation of artists, makers and curators through a rolling programme of exhibitions, events, workshops and artists’ studios. From 27th April–30th June, their new exhibition Tangled Up considers how artists use textiles as a means of exploring personal and political narratives.
Sandsgate Building, Farsley LS28 5UJ
0113 256 3239
sunnybankmills.co.uk
