About us

Leeds Art Fund was founded in 1912 by a group of art enthusiasts and philanthropists who recognised the importance of supporting the arts in Leeds. Their vision was to create a fund that would enable the acquisition of artworks for public display to enrich the cultural life of the city, following the opening of a purpose built art gallery for the city of Leeds in 1888.

Hibiscus Rising by Yinka Shonibare
Hibiscus Rising by Yinka Shonibare

Ensuring treasures remain accessible

Helping to broaden Leeds’s cultural landscape

Partnering with local organisations and volunteers

Inspiring future generations

Founding and Early Years

In 1912 two key figures in the history of Leeds Art Fund arrived in the city. Sir Michael Sadler was appointed Vice Chancellor of Leeds University, bringing with him his impressive collection of modern paintings and the art critic Frank Rutter, was appointed Director of the Art Gallery. Rutter quickly found that the enlightened patronage of modern artists he saw in Sadler’s collection was not mirrored by the Leeds corporation. Thus, the Leeds Permanent Art Fund, later to become the Leeds Art Collections Fund, and then Leeds Art Fund was formed.

An early acquisition was the painting Wells Farm Railway Bridge, Acton, 1907 by Lucien Pissaro purchased by Leeds Art Fund in 1913 after the Council refused to pay for it.

Wells Farm Railway Bridge, Acton, 1907 by Lucien Pissaro

Acquisitions

Over the years, Leeds Art Fund has made significant contributions to the collections of Leeds Art Gallery, Temple Newsam, Lotherton Hall, and the sculpture collections managed by the Henry Moore Institute. 

Our fundraising campaigns, bequests and donations, as wells as artworks given by members, have ensured  significant works remain accessible to the public. 

The silver epergne, 1759, by Thomas Pitts was purchased with a contribution from Leeds Art Fund following a successful appeal.

Silver Chinoiserie Epergne
Silver Chinoiserie Epergne

Expansion and development

As the cultural landscape of Leeds has evolved, Leeds Art Fund has extended its support to cover a broader range of cultural initiatives, including sponsoring the exhibitions, Frank Brangwyn in 2006, Henry Moore in 2011, and Terry Frost in 2015, and supporting  education programmes, conservation projects, and outreach activities. This expansion reflects the Fund’s commitment to promoting access to the best art, supporting artists and makers and enriching the community’s cultural experience in partnership with Leeds Museums and Galleries.

 

Partnerships and collaborations

Leeds Art Fund works closely with Leeds Museums and Galleries, Leeds City Council, donors, and volunteers to fulfil its mission. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, the Fund maximises its impact and effectiveness.

Continued legacy

Today, Leeds Art Fund remains a vital and influential organisation in the city’s cultural ecology. Its legacy of philanthropy and advocacy continues to shape the cultural landscape of the city, ensuring that art remains accessible, relevant, and celebrated by future generations.

Leaving Leeds Art Gallery recently after enjoying a Leeds Art Fund talk, my eye was caught by the inscription on the 1980 foundation stone for the extension – ‘This stone laid by Henry Moore:, Dr Jeffrey Sherwin, Leeds City Council:, Robert Rowe Director of Art Galleries.’ I realised that I had known all three thanks to my Leeds Art Fund membership. That is the strength of Leeds Art Fund, in addition to getting to know more about art and the in-depth Leeds collections, membership brings contact with fellow enthusiasts and visitors from the wider art world.

Jim Fox

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