Picture perfect chance to take home a world class work of art

Art-lovers in Leeds will have the chance to take home a masterpiece from Leeds Art Gallery’s stunning collection this weekend.

The latest selection event for the gallery’s hugely successful Picture Library programme takes place this Saturday and Sunday and gives members a chance to hang a world class work of art on their wall for an entire year.

Theodore Wilkins, the gallery’s assistant curator of fine art, said: “The Picture Library offers the unique chance for anyone in Yorkshire to borrow original works of art to enjoy at home whilst also supporting Leeds Art Gallery.

“It includes well known artists like Patrick Caulfield or Terry Frost but also local stars like Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth.”

The first ever Picture Library was started in 1961 and the scheme has remained hugely popular ever since.

Theodore added: “Robert Rowe, the then director of Leeds Art Gallery wanted to make borrowing original works of art for the home as everyday and normal as borrowing books or gramophones from your local library.”

Today, Leeds Art Gallery is one of the few remaining galleries in the country to offer a picture lending scheme to the public and holds selection events once every quarter for members.

Works available to borrow include oils, watercolours, drawings, photographs and a variety of prints.

James Murray, 39, from Chapel Allerton has been a member of the scheme for around two-and-a-half years and regularly attends selection events along with his wife and two children.

He said: “We had our living room redone and we wanted a couple of nice works of art to go on the walls but the cost of buying the ones we liked was very expensive.

“We went along to The Picture Library and found some that were perfect. Having different paintings on display every few months really changes your home and it’s a great conversation piece that people always look at when they come to visit.

“The selection events are also a really nice day out for the family and coming into town together to look around and choose the paintings makes you feel very attached to your home city.”

This weekend’s selection events take place at Leeds Art Gallery on Saturday, October 24, 11am-3pm and Sunday October 25, 1pm- 4pm.

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said:

“British Art Show 8 is currently attracting thousands of visitors to Leeds Art Gallery so art is really capturing the imaginations of people across Leeds and our outstanding cultural offering is getting the showcase it deserves.

“Alongside the huge success of the event, it’s really important to us that the people of Leeds also have a sense of ownership over the art in their city and The Picture Library is the perfect way to do that.

“By giving art-lovers the chance to have a piece of the gallery’s collection in their own home, the project engages them in a unique and innovative way that helps us to put art and culture at the heart of life in Leeds.”

Joining the Picture Library at Leeds Art Gallery costs £48 for 12 months.

To sign up and become a member please visit: www.thepicturelibrary.org

Full terms and conditions can be found in the download section of the page.

Alternatively, telephone 0113 320 2055 or email hello@thepicturelibrary.org

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

Stuart Robinson

Communications Officer

Leeds City Council

Tel: 0113 224 3937

Email: stuart.robinson@leeds.gov.uk

www.leeds.gov.uk