A brief history of Manchester’s art ecosystem
When we hear the name Manchester, the first and foremost thing that comes to our mind is “football,” but do you ever wonder that the UK’s 3rd most populous city, Manchester, is also home to the Manchester Art Gallery, best known for its collection of works by 19th-century British artists, particularly the Pre-Raphaelites.
With Manchester’s rapid growth of its cotton industry in the 19th century, its wealth was generated during the Industrial Revolution, which led to the establishment of cultural institutions like the Manchester Art Gallery, which was formed in 1823 as the Royal Manchester Institution. Its first object acquired for its collection, James Northcote’s A Moor, was bought in 1827. It was a portrait of a celebrated black actor, Ira Aldridge. And shortly after, The Manchester School of Art was established in 1838. The famous Adoration of the Magi tapestry, designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones in 1890 and made by Morris & Co. in 1894, was donated to the Manchester School of Art in 1895 by William Simpson. These early institutions laid the foundation for Manchester’s future as a significant player in the UK’s art world.
As John Ruskin, an influential figure associated with the Pre-Raphaelites and an art critic, stated, “Fine art is that in which the hand, the head, and the heart of man go together.” This emphasis on the holistic nature of Manchester’s artistic creation, combining skill, intellect, and emotion, that resonates even today. For those looking to broaden their collection beyond local offerings, Elisium Art offers a curated selection of high-quality artwork, connecting collectors with exceptional pieces from around the world.
Even today, Manchester’s art scene continues to thrive with a mix of established Manchester museums and art galleries, including the Manchester Museum of Art (Manchester Art Gallery) and various modern art galleries like Castlefield Gallery, alongside dynamic independent art galleries like the Contemporary Six – The Gallery and independent art spaces, Saan 1.
Must visit museums for art lovers in manchester
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Manchester Art Gallery
Address: Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3JL, UK
Admission: Free
The famous Manchester Art Gallery houses the works of British impressionists like Wynford Dewhurst, Annie Swynnerton, Susan Dacre, and William Burges. The Gallery has a substantial collection of Victorian art, especially that of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, founded in 1848 by William Holman Hunt, John Everett Millais, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Michael Rossetti, James Collinson, Frederic George Stephens, and Thomas Woolner, who formed a seven-member "Brotherhood" partly modelled on the Nazarene movement and the Victorian decorative arts. The Gallery is open from Tuesdays to Sundays and closed on Mondays.
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Whitworth Art Gallery
Address: Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER, UK
Admission: Free
The Withworth Art Gallery, which has a collection of around 60,000 items, is a part of the University of Manchester. The Gallery focuses on modern and contemporary artists has a good collection of watercolours, sculptures, wallpapers, textiles, and it also features the historical works of Thomas Gainsborough, Alexander Cozens and, John Robert Cozens, and Thomas Girtin. It also features artworks by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Lucian Freud, Francis Bacon, and Tracey Emin.
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The Lowry
Address: Pier, 8 The Quays, Salford, Manchester M50 3AZ, UK
Admission: Free (tickets must be purchased for workshops, events, theatre performances, touring exhibitions)
The Lowry, named after the early 20th-century painter L. S. Lowry, is a theatre and gallery complex that was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth ll in 2000. The museum has a collection of L. S. Lowry works, including the Fun Fair at Daisy Nook. It also hosts contemporary exhibitions and performing arts events.
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Esea contemporary
Address: 13 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1EU, UK
Admission: Free
The Esea Contemporary, formely known as Chinese Contemporary Art (CFCCA), is the UK's leading centre for Chinese Contemporary Art. The Gallery was started in 1986 by Amy Lai to offer a platform for the Chinese artistic community in Manchester, and it later grew as an art gallery. The esea Contemporary has a history of hosting the UK's first solo art exhibitions, which boast recognition at the international level for emerging artists.
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Manchester Art Adventure: A 2-Day Binge for Art Lovers (and Secret Deal Hunters!)
Manchester, a city renowned for its industrial past, boasts a vibrant and thriving art scene. We have designed this 2-day itinerary for art enthusiasts and savvy travellers who are looking to immerse themselves in Manchester's artistic offerings, from world-class galleries to hidden gems, all while keeping an eye out for the best deals. Get ready for a cultural binge!
Day 1: From Masterpieces to Modern Marvels
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Morning
Visit the famous Manchester Art Gallery; the highlights of the Gallery are William Holman Hunt’s “The Hireling Shepherd,” “Hunt’s The Light of the World,” and John William Waterhouse’s “Hylas and the Nymphs.” This Gallery has a massive collection of fine art, including oil paintings, watercolours, and drawings. The Egyptian canopic jar from circa 1100 BC is the oldest object that is worth watching.
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Afternoon
Walk to Whitworth Art Gallery, nestled within Whitworth Park. Make sure to take ample time to take a good look around Whitworth Park before heading to the Gallery. The place is leafy and greenery and a good spot to take a sit on the grass and relax in the afternoon.
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Mid-Afternoon
Once you’re relaxed and ready to reconnect with the artistic world, head to the Whitworth Gallery. Don’t miss out on exploring the place thoroughly. Creative workshops, events, and meetings are held in Clore Garden Studio, which is situated right on the lower ground floor of the Gallery.
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Evening
Catch a performance at HOME, in First Street, Manchester. HOME is an arts centre, displaying contemporary art, cinema, and theatre complex. The centre was designed by Mecanoo Architects based in Delft, Netherlands. Additionally, check out their schedule for affordable screenings or performances.
Day 2: Exploring Contemporary & Hidden Gems
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Morning
Start your morning by visiting the Manchester Museum on the Oxford Road Cycleway, which features ‘Dutch-style’ cycle lanes. It displays works of archaeology, anthropology, and natural history and is owned by the University of Manchester. The highlight of the place includes The Riqqeh tomb stela from the 19th century BCE, Hieroglyphs on a funerary stela and more.
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Afternoon
The Manchester Museum is a massive place; your entire afternoon will be spent there. Join a museum visitor team member to get the highlights of their tour. There are stands provided across the University of Manchester campus to which bicycles may be secured. Also, keep in mind that there are bus gates on Oxford Road, which is part of the road, and are only open to buses, black cabs, and pedal cycles from 6 am to 9 pm every day.
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Mid-Afternoon
Explore Salford Quays, a waterfront destination on the banks of the historic Manchester Ship Canal. First, visit the cultural centre, The Lowry. It has two main theatres and a studio space for performing arts, a permanent exhibit of works by the artist L.S. Lowry, and spaces for galleries displaying contemporary art and photography. While some exhibitions require tickets, the building is an architectural marvel that offers free access to public spaces. Guided tours may be available for specific exhibitions, but it is recommended to check out their website for available tours or detailed information.
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Evening
Well, how about wrapping up your 2nd day’s evening feeling spooky? Brave enough? We date you to Visit Ordsall Hall, a place surrounded by many ghostly tales and inhabitants. Ordsall Hall is free and open to the public for visits throughout the year.
Tips To Improve Your Experience
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Bonus Tip
Extending Your Art Journey Beyond Manchester. This two-day itinerary offers just a taste of Manchester’s rich art scene. Several options exist for those looking to delve deeper or explore art beyond the city. Consider joining a guided art tour for expert insights, or visit during Manchester’s various art festivals for a concentrated dose of creativity. If you want to acquire original fine art, explore online gallery platforms like Elisium Art, which connects collectors with artists and offers a curated selection of original artworks.
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Pro-Tip
A pro tip for visitors is to consider combining your art visit with other activities in Manchester. The city has so many things to offer beyond the art scene, such as exploring the Northern Quarter, which has vibrant street art, bohemian bars, and independent record shops, visiting the Old Trafford stadium, or enjoying a concert or show.
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Secret Weapon
Thinking of buying art in Manchester? Explore the city’s vibrant independent gallery scene, often hidden within its industrial heritage. You might just discover a unique masterpiece and connect with Manchester’s raw, creative energ
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Expand Your Artistic Horizons
And whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your art journey, Elisium Art can help you discover unique pieces and support emerging artists worldwide. Remember to check individual gallery websites for opening times, special events, and any potential admission fees to make the most of your Manchester art adventure.
