Leeds art gallery with its Victorian architecture opened on 3 October 1888. The Gallery was originally tucked away down a side street but changes over the years have meant the galleries facade to be altered as well as it being re-oriented to face the Hedrow. This minimalist yet elegant building is surrounded by other buildings all built around the Victorian era, apart for neighboring building, Henry Moor Institution which stands out architecturally because of its entrance. This Institute dedicated to celebrating sculpture has majority of its original structure but in the 1930's the entrance was given an update. The new design is seen as a piece of minimalist sculpture although the front exterior of buildings doesn’t look alike, they both have a minimalist approach which is quite visibly seen.
My initial reposes to the building was that I quite liked the exterior the straight lines with the intricate details of the library building next door really went well together. As I entered the Gallery, I was surprised with how loud it was, but as I walked further in I realised this was because of the cafe on the left-hand side. Once I was past the cafe and gallery reception area it quieted down quite drastically. The atmosphere was now calm and relaxing, going around the gallery time had passed with me knowing it was like an escape from the busy world outside. There weren't many people within the gallery, but I think this is because of the time I went, on a Thursday afternoon.
The gallery was very spacious, with majority of the wall being white to showcase the artwork off. All around the roof and entrance there was crown molding combining the Victorian element of the building's exterior within the interior. The only windows within the space were the massive skylights on the first floor which were letting lots of nature light in. Overall, the galleries interior was very bright and airy with spotlights shining down on the artwork making it stand out.
The gallery had great access to the library (entrance on first floor) which led straight into the arts section, as well as having access to the Henry Moore Institution on the ground floor over a bridge). It also had as a kid’s play area tucked away near the back of the gallery on the ground floor.
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