This new entry to Albion Street in the centre of town is truly a breath of fresh air. This…read moreparticular street is quite clogged with coffee shops and eateries as it is and so the addition of an art gallery shop is the perfect answer for diversity. The store itself is laid out like an art gallery with relaxing white space with which to adorn the artwork - perfect for maintaining an uncluttered feel with such a variety of artists on show. There is the main space on the ground floor and a further gallery down the narrow stairs. The lady who was working when I popped in was absolutely lovely, she was really friendly and talkative about the shop, but didn't push to sell me anything which I always appreciate. The art itself was wonderful and diverse, from the kitsch cutesy cow art by Caroline Shotten, to the modern pop-art stark portraits of Simon Claridge, to the bold graffiti art of Ge Feng there was something for everyone. My difficulty is that I could have purchased all of their pieces, since diversity is what I like best, however at around £400+ per painting I simply couldn't afford to be impulsive. I certainly don't think that it is overly expensive - art is quite often underpriced and undervalued, but in my current state of pauperdom I would have to really fall in love to make such a spend. If you are lucky enough to have that kind of cash to spend, I suggest you search for a gift in this gallery. You will find something unique and delightful herein.

I couldn't agree more with the first review. This is such a wonderful place to step into and at the…read moremoment they have a sale on so there are loads of completely juxtaposing pieces. From cartoon like paintings to classical fine art portraits of bare ladies. Rather scruffy looking as I was at the time I was pleased coercive such a warm welcome from the lady, Angela, who was working at the time I entered. Some truly breathtaking art work on display and ready for someone to buy and proudly display, unfortunately I need a new par of climbing boots before I buy anything else.

I nipped into Dalesway Gallery, situated in the lovely little market town of Ilkley, just to…read morepurchase some birthday cards actually. I work in an office with a great deal of people and as a rule we generally make an effort to buy birthday cards for people's birthdays. I'm usually pretty useless at this sort of thing, and I've little excuse, but I am forever forgetting to give cards. In a surprising moment of preparedness I made the move towards Dalesway in order to stock up. Although cash-wise this was a bad idea (it wouldn't have worked out to bulk buy according to my wallet ... ) it was a great idea art wise to pop in! I hadn't actually noticed that they sold art works as well as cards, I was being that one track minded! Inside there were a number of lovely special arty cards, some funny ones with animals, some beautiful landscape photography ones, some vintage style ones and so on. They also had a number of prints and art works on sale too. There were these huge framed prints in the window, one of a vase of flowers (a proper above-the-fireplace type of picture) and another two of these purple field scenes. As well as those they had some interesting 'fashion' prints of men and women dressed in lovely clothing only none of those images included the person's face. I realise as I write that it sounds macabre, but it wasn't really! Anyway, an interesting bimble worth the visit.

Not many people seem to be aware that Wakefield has an art gallery, which is a shame because it has…read moresuch great potential. Even more of a shame is that this potential has not been developed - the gallery is small and cramped, has few exhibits and those that there are are not that inspiring, which I find incomprehensible considering that the area has spawned such artistic talent. They do run various workshops and activities for children, which I have not attended and may be worth a visit, but personally, to see art in the area, I would recommend visiting the sculpture park in Bretton instead.

Small art gallery on 3 floors. Very cramped, but some interesting work. Some exhibits are changed…read moreon a reasonably regular basis. Some art trolly's dotted round the place for kids to draw pictures and complete activities. Worth a visit if you've nothing better to do but not worth and outing in its own right (in my opinion). Due to be replaced by The Hepworth gallery in 2009/10 which is currently under construction.

Those with a keen nose for secrets would have already spotted this gem, hidden in plain sight, just…read moreup in Far Headingley. But a stone's throw from Cottage Road Cinema, Sebby's Deli, Beer Ritz and the other gems in the area, this little shop-come-art gallery-come-cafe is a real treat. I've wandered by a few times and cursed myself for not having the time to pay them a visit, so on a weekend wander, I made sure to pick this spot for a coffee. As you go in, there's a counter of fresh goodies right before you, including home baked cakes at seriously cheap prices. They've a deli shelf, with all manner of world-friendly and nicely made things, such as specialist teas, biscuits, Fentimen's drinks, and more. It's a treasure trove of treats, and that's before you've even ventured beyond the initial entry. It appears to be family-run, and the friendly chap who served us was incredibly pleasant, smiley, and welcoming. We ordered two coffees, and went through to the dining room area. This gorgeous front room (the café must be a part of their actual home) is beautifully decked out in red and white table cloths, kitsch little things, a cabinet of locally made jewellery, and all manner of local art adorns the walls. Paintings of various styles take up all available space, making this quaint room come alive with colour. I loved it. Then, you can step through into the secret garden. Literally just across the road at one of the pubs was a crowd of rowdy Otley Runners, and despite still hearing the odd 'waaaaaay!', I felt transported elsewhere. Somewhere serene, safe and as the name suggests, secret. The garden is shaded by a huge tree, and it's a fabulous little spot to sit and enjoy a cuppa. At the time, there was an unfortunate moment, where a fledgling wood pigeon had fallen to the ground and so the lady (who I assume co-runs the cafe) warned us that it was frightened and to watch out for it. The poor thing looked pretty bewildered, fingers crossed it survived the fall and lived to fight another day. The coffees we enjoyed were fabulous, freshly made, and huge. It's not often you get such a generous cup, so you're definitely in for a treat if you're a caffeine fan. They serve a range of sandwiches made to order, croissants, cakes, and other bites too should you feel peckish. This time, I fancied something more brunch-y, but I'll definitely be back soon for a bacon sarnie in the garden! Needless to say, I'm a real fan. It's a local family run business, supporting local artists, who frame pictures too, and serve up a great coffee. What's not to love? Sneak away for a secret moment, it's worth it.

Well you'd be hard pushed to get in or out of Halifax without noticing the Dean Clough building…read more It's nationally renowned as a prime site in Halifax and it's not just a business emporium. It does house quite a few private businesses and office space but it has so much more to offer than that. First up take some live theatre and music. The Crossley Gallery has fast become a key place for many Jazz acts to come and ply their trade. You've also got the Viaduct Theatre which attracts classical music and of course live stage productions. If that's not your thing then the art galleries are pretty impressive. They get some really interesting exhibitions and change them about quite regularly. Add to that a nice design shop, café and a restaurant and it's a treat that you'd maybe not expect to find in these industrial looking walls. Loving your work here.

I work in this building and have to say - it's quite a nice place to be…read more The offices are a bit mixed - some are lovely and refurbished and some are a bit old and grotty but I think they are in the process of doing up the whole place. It's a nice central clean building. The viaduct cafe is nice and the Design House Restaurant is pretty decent too. I like the galleries here - it's quite nice during a stressful day to wander downstairs and look at the pictures or sculptures - helps calm me down and face the day. There is also a very nice gift shop.

There is nothing intimidating about Novus Contemporary Art, a family owned gallery in Didsbury, and…read morethat's what I love about it. There are probably some art purists out there who hate the concept of a gallery that is warm, welcoming, reasonably priced and varied, but for me these can only be pluses. Supporting local artists as well as established names, you can see everything from abstract to still life in originals, limited edition prints, sculptures, ceramics and glass. I've become something of a familiar face in here because everyone is so welcoming and happy for you to spend as much time as you like appreciating the art. There's nothing bad I can say about this place.

This is a great little venue, good for people watching. The cafe has a nice contemporary menu, all…read morefood made fresh and home-made soup and cakes. I get all my picture framing done downstairs in The Gallery (which has a different feel to the upstairs) as Chris gives discount to artists. He is one of the best in the business and has a real flair for presenting your picture in the most eye-catching way and is not afraid to advise you on what will look best which I find really helpful. While I was there he was framing a football shirt and claims he can frame anything! There is some fantastic original art and prints down there too and frequent new exhibitions. It is worth a look even if you do not need any pictures framing and Saltaire has a good vibe, it is worth a visit anytime.

This is such a beautiful building, and the perfect space for such a wonderful gallery. Dedicated to…read morepromoting originals from top UK artists as well as emerging artists, you can tell that a lot of care goes into displaying and maintaining the paintings. Hung on the tiled walls, they have works from my personal favourites, James Lawrence Isherwood and Arthur Delaney to name but two. Apart from the wonderful canvases, there's a bespoke framing service and a very large selection of cards and unique wrapping papers which I'm sure serves as the gallery's bread and butter in between artwork sales. A delight.

This is a lovely spacious old sandstone building with a high ceiling and a fine display of fine art…read moreprints and contemporary paintings. The guy that works in here is so chilled out, and will personally see to your art needs being carefully dealt with. There is a large counter which displays the wide range of bespoke frames offered here. On sale also is a good selection of greeting cards including the National Trust range and wrapping paper of various sorts. You can pick up a well framed unique piece of Art for around £200.

Whether you are interested in art or not I would advise you to take 5 minutes to have a browse…read morethrough the art and crafts that is on offer within the walls of The Old Grammar School Gallery (TOGS). The art on offer is not just beautiful but some of it is well within the means of most people's pockets. I have been into TOGS a few times now and I have even purchased some art. There is everything from paintings, to pictures, to glass wear, to ceramics and so on. This month there is a solo exhibition by Julia Odell. Now I will put my hands up and say that Julia is a personal friend of mine and I wouldn't want anything I say to be taken as favoritism. But I find her paintings engaging and they always lift my mood or take me off somewhere else. There are also works of art by many other local artists and entering The Old Grammar School is an easy and enjoyable way to spend half an hour. The last time I was in there I purchased a beautiful piece of hand made glass wear. £20? Absolute bargain!! But please don't take my word for it. And anyway, taking the time to visit Otley is well worth it! The town is full of interesting shops and a lovely riverside walk if you prefer a quiet stroll or a walk in the park. There is nothing like the lovely clean smell on a warm summers day as you walk along the rivers edge. Oops. This was meant to be about COGS!! As you can guess, I'm a huge fan and the staff are knowledgable and enthusiastic too. For me, TOGS ticks all the boxes.

From the owner: Original art by local artistsread more

The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery is not very well known in Leeds. I have never before heard my…read morearty friends talk about it, or seen any promotion for it, and I am often taking short cuts through the University Campus. I heard about the gallery whilst doing data entry for an arts company, I was inputting data from a survey to decide why it wasn't very well attended. Since then I vowed that I would go and have a look, as everyone in the survey spoke very highly of it in their comments. You can find the gallery in The Parkinson Building of the University, just to the left of reception through some glass sliding doors. The exhibits I saw today were beautiful. The gallery used to consist of three rooms which have now been converted into one large space displaying the Universities permanent collection. It includes various bronze works, a display of Yorkshire pottery, a suite of glass cases displaying drawn works, and some really beautiful paintings. There is also another room which is used for temporary exhibitions. Today I saw 'Obsession: Contemporary Art from the Lodeveans Collection' which is running until the 28th November (2009). My favorite in this collection were some porcelain models of crushed cans (like coke cans) hand painted with blue flowers, as if they were an old china set. They have a variety of different pieces, from abstract to portrait paintings, sculptures, video, audio, and drawings, so if you are an art lover there will most likely be something for you. It is quite small, but it's free and also not far from the gallery in the city centre if you feel the need for more.

A very modern gallery, compared to other museums/galleries that I have visited this isn't the…read morebiggest but it is so modern and chic. There is a room which shows art and often switches it up