Location York

Yorkshire Post Today

Robert Sutcliffe
THE uprooting of a major photographic gallery after 33 years, which sees it move to Bradford, has come as a disappointment to York Tourist Bureau.

Chief executive Gillian Cruddas is upset at the loss of the cutting-edge Impressions Gallery which opened in 1972 as one of the first specialist contemporary photography galleries in Europe.
The building is now closed to the public in York and will reopen in a new building in Centenary Square, Bradford, in the summer.
The move will let the small, not-for-profit gallery overcome problems of limited physical access.
Mrs Cruddas said: "We knew it was coming but it is very disappointing news because it was an important part of the arts and cultural scene in York and attracted a lot of interest from visitors and residents.
"Bradford has enticed them there with grants and it is a great loss to the city.
"It was a bit different and will be hard to replace. It's Bradford's gain and York's loss."
But a City of York Council spokeswoman said: "We are delighted to have supported Impressions through the first years of its life.
"We recognise that the next stage of its development is best served by the opportunity that has opened up in Bradford and wish Impressions every success there."
Chairman of Impressions Darryn Hedges said of the Bradford site: "This is a superb new building in the heart of the city. For Impressions this move is the next step in support of our artistic ambition to be the UK's leading contemporary photographic gallery.''
Jane Glaister, director of arts, heritage and leisure at Bradford Council, said: ''Impressions' reputation for innovative, high quality exhibitions and events and the potential for the development of programmes with the city and the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television will see Bradford develop as a centre of excellence in this area.''