The Whitworth Art Gallery

Category: Public Gallery
Address: The Whitworth Art Gallery, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12-4pm.
Contact: Reception
Email: whitworth@manchester.ac.uk
Website: www.manchester.ac.uk/whitworth
Telephone: (0161) 275 7450

Description: Internationally famous for its collections of art and design, the Whitworth Art Gallery which is part of the University of Manchester in northwest England, is home to an impressive range of watercolours, prints, drawings, modern art and sculpture, as well as the largest collections of textiles and wallpapers outside London.

The Whitworth uses its collections to create changing exhibitions exploring different themes, as well as hosting a programme of innovative touring exhibitions. Curators regularly change the artworks on display in the galleries and provide access to reserve collections, especially for study purposes. A selection of tours, lectures, practical workshops and concerts accompanies the exhibition programme.

Originally founded in 1889, The Whitworth Art Gallery has been part of the University of Manchester since 1958. The Gallery takes its name from Sir Joseph Whitworth (1803-87), the Stockport born engineer, who left money in his will which was used to fund a number of local institutions.

The Whitworth seeks to promote understanding of the cultural and historic significance of its collections through their imaginative use and interpretation. The Education service organises a full programme of activities for formal and informal learning.