We've had the good fortune to have visited some of the great museums and art galleries of the world; the Louvre, the Prada, National Gallery in London, etc. while Manchester's Art Gallery may not rank up there with these others, it still is worthwhile visiting (especially since it has free admission). Formed in 1823 under the auspices of a scholarly society known as the Royal Manchester Institute, it is a publicly owned museum. James Northgate's "A Moor" was its first acquisition in 1827. Among its nearly 20,000 pieces are oil paintings, water colors/drawings, sculptures, prints, and other art objects. An Egyptian Canopic Jar dating circa 1100 BC is its oldest piece. We had a wonderfully enjoyable day visiting this gallery, including its special exhibit on 100 years of Vogue magazine.
The Manchester Art Gallery consists of three interconnected buildings.
As you enter the building, this splendid staircase greets you. The special exhibit areas are to the left on the ground floor, while the permanent collections are upstairs.
James Northgate's "A Moor" was the gallery's first acquisition in 1827.
William Holman Hunt's "The Hireling Shepherd " (1851) still maintains its vibrant colors.
"The Picnic" by Wynford Dewhurst (1908) is done in the Impressionist style which we love.
"100 Years of Vogue" is the current special exhibit in the gallery...
...tracing the magazine's evolution from the 1920's...
...through to the 2010's.
On the upper floors are the permanent collection rooms
Among the many art objects in the gallery is this bust of Plato by Wedgewood (ca. 1790)...
...and this Parade Chair (ca. 1680) believed to have belonged to Cosmo IIÎ de Medici.
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