Civic Art and History in Bradford

In Brief.

Bradford Museums and Galleries have a range of venues, including the Cartwright Hall Art Gallery and the Bolling Hall Museum and Library.  The former is an imposing Baroque building from the turn of the 20th Century, located in the rolling Lister Park, with several themed spaces including a David Hockney Gallery.  Bolling Hall seems much more like a country house, if we ignore the fact that it is no longer in the countryside, with a variety of interiors from different periods.

Cartwright Hall and Mughal Gardens

What's Here?

The Cartwright Hall Art Gallery seems much smaller inside than outside, but perhaps that is just as well given the scale of the building. I was interested to see the David Hockney Exhibition, which is compact, but in being arranged chronologically provides an interesting review of the artist's evolving techniques and subjects. I particularly liked a video that captures the process of creating some of his iPad paintings. This complements the David Hockney exhibits in the splendidly repurposed Salts Mill, where the main focus is on more recent works, in particular The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate. There are also several other themed spaces including a sculpture court and a Calm Gallery.  As Cartwright Hall is situated in the Lister Park, a chance to get some fresh air and exercise is readily to hand.

Bolling Hall

Bolling Hall is branded as a museum,  and certainly it contains rooms that exhibit different decorative styles and furniture, but wandering round is similar to visiting a National Trust property, if a bit more low-key (and free).  A visit includes the hot (with a fire) and cold kitchens, and rooms from different periods including an airy Georgian Drawing Room and 16th century wood panelled bedrooms.

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 44 miles

Drive Time: 65 minutes.

Price: Free (option to provide donations).

Parking: Free onsite parking is available at Bolling Hall, and there is plenty on street parking near Cartwright Hall.  

Food and Drink: There is a pleasant cafe, where I had a decent tea and Victoria Sponge, at Cartwright Hall.  

Retail therapy: There is a small child-centred shop at Bolling Hall.

Child Friendly: There is a large play area in the park beside Cartwright Hall.

Toilets: Yes - at both halls.

Do it justice in: Bolling Hall - 1 hour; Cartwright Hall Art Gallery - 1+ hour.

Inside-Outside: 80:20.


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