Impressions Gallery is located in Centenary square, opposite the new mirror pool. Whilst the location is good, I feel it could easily go unnoticed as the building doesn't really stand out as being a gallery. It's a photography gallery, so work is always photography based.
When you walk into the gallery through clear glass doors you have to walk up some stairs, there is a lift for disabled access though. It feels a little daunting to walk into, due to having to go upstairs. I felt like I was unsure if I was in the right place. However, when you get up the stairs, the gallery is light, clean and very quiet. It's a typical 'white wall' gallery really. The staff are usually friendly and there are toilet facilities available.
The gallery space actually contains another separate gallery called 'Bradford 1 Gallery', which I didn't really notice at first. This gallery isn't just photography based, so you may see some different art if you pop into this section of the gallery too.
The gallery itself is large, the exhibitions change every few weeks/months and always range in subject areas. Sometimes the work is a little challenging, so if you like to look at pretty art and not necessarily think too much about it (like myself!) It may not be for you. I'd recommend you give it a try though, it's free and you might just stumble upon some work you fall in love with!
There's a shop, which sells books, postcards and offers student discount which is useful. There are comfortable seats around, and a seated area with books to browse. I like this about the gallery, if you're stuck with some spare time, it's nice to pop into somewhere like this where you can browse around and have a nice seat.
Whether you're passionate about art/photography or you just have a little time to waste one day, I really recommend you check out this gallery. read more