Victorian Early Days at Leeds Art Gallery
The Leeds Art Gallery opened on the 3rd of October, 1888.
The main instigator of the project was Colonel T. Walter Harding; not only did he promote the cause but he also bought paintings such as Lady Butler's 'Scotland for Ever!' to present to the Gallery.
Apart from the J. G. Uppleby bequest of 1858, which was transferred to the new Gallery from the Town Hall, there was no collection at all. Significantly, the decision was taken to acquire contemporary British Art, not Old Masters or 18th century portraits. This was very forward thinking at this time and marked the start of the reputation that still exists today - as an innovative and dynamic modern gallery. The paintings were the type of picture which could be seen at the annual Royal Academy exhibition.
History painting, whether of contemporary events or classical legends, was considered to be the pinnacle of achievement. Lord Leighton's 'Return of Persephone' was an early acquisition, a major success for the Gallery's first curator George Birkett. The range of subjects and styles proved to be very popular with the aim of 'improving' the visitor. Contemporary events such as the Afgan wars, the Death of General Gordon, or the sailing of the Titanic were given a particular status through a painted representation.
Like most other public collections in Britain no attempt was made to buy new French art, impressionism or its successors.
Especially notable early acquisitions include Tissot's 'The Bridesmaid', Waterhouse's 'Lady of Shalott' and for the local audience Grimshaw's 'Nightfall Down the Thames'. The only social realist subject depicting the poor was 'The Village Funeral' by Frank Holl, a genuine reminder of real life and death conditions. Sadly, only one Pre-Raphaelite picture - Holman Hunt's 'Shadow of Death' - came into the collection in the early years.
You can click through the slideshow below to view a sample of our collection from the Victorian era