The ‘National Gallery of the North’ is home to one of the most impressive collections of art outside London. Highlights in the Walker Art Gallery’s permanent collection on the first floor include works by Holbein, Rubens, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Hogarth, Millais, Hunt, Maddox Brown, Turner, Rossetti, Monet, Degas, Hockney, Freud, and Lowry. The gallery is particularly well known for its extensive collection of 19th century art.
The Sculpture Gallery on the ground floor is home to over 100 works, mainly European sculpture dating from the 18th century to the early 20th century. The Craft and Design Gallery, also on the ground floor, features more than 500 pieces encompassing all aspects of the decorative arts.
The Walker Art Gallery also hosts a regular programme of temporary exhibitions. Exhibitions running in 2012 include An Alphabet, silkscreen prints by Sir Peter Blake, The Art Books of Henri Matisse, and Savage Style: costumes from Lily’s wardrobe.
Facilities at the gallery include a café with free wireless internet access, toilets, cloakroom, and a shop selling souvenirs, gifts, books, postcards, and prints.
The Walker Art Gallery is open every day of the year except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Opening times are 10 am to 5 pm. Entry to all galleries and exhibitions is free.
