Popular photography gallery to move into iconic Bradford building
The Impressions Gallery will take up residence in the former Bradford Club
AN iconic Bradford building will be brought back into use after it was announced it will become the temporary home for a popular photography gallery.
Impressions Gallery will take up residence in the former Bradford Club when its lease in Centenary Square ends in March.
The gallery will remain in the former members’ club on Piece Hall Yard while it continues developing plans for its new permanent home in Bradford.
The move coincides with a planned change in leadership, as Director Anne McNeill prepares to step down after 26 years in the role.
The renowned photography gallery already has an established relationship with the Bradford Club, having presented pop-up exhibitions and events in the building in recent years.
This relocation will enable the charity to continue its artistic programme in 2026 and 2027.
Last year the long standing Bradford Club announced it would be shutting its doors after serving the city for over 250 years.
The club had been a meeting spot for friends and business people since the 18th century.
It was purchased by Withernsea Investments Ltd.
The upcoming programme for the gallery includes the national touring exhibition Clare Hewitt’s Everything in the forest is the forest at MAC, Birmingham (April to August 2026); offsite exhibitions launching autumn 2026; the development of the community-sourced digital archive Bradford Family Album; and outreach work with local communities and young people.
Impressions’ base at the former Bradford Club will also act as a hub for photographers in the region to connect with each other, and receive guidance and support at regular events and drop-ins.
Mrs McNeill said: “Impressions Gallery has a strong track record of working beyond conventional gallery spaces.
“Returning to the former Bradford Club as a temporary home builds on our existing connection to the space, while allowing us to continue our work and think ambitiously about a permanent future in the city.”
Director Anne McNeill will step down from her role in March 2026, concluding 26 years at the gallery.
During her tenure, McNeill has helped cement Impressions’ national and international profile in photography and visual culture. This includes the gallery’s bold move from York to Bradford in 2005, and the realisation of major international exhibitions for Bradford’s Year as UK City of Culture.
The gallery saw a record number of visitors during 2025.
McNeill will remain in post until the end of March 2026.
Anne McNeill, Director says: “After 26 years, now feels like the right moment to hand over the reins and make space for new leadership and fresh ideas as Impressions enters the next chapter in its long and successful history. It has been an absolute privilege to lead Impressions, firstly in York, then moving the organisation to Bradford in 2005 and opening the first purpose-built photography gallery in the UK, through to our role in helping Bradford to secure its title as UK City of Culture 2025. I have loved working with such dedicated colleagues and talented artists.
Impressions Gallery Board of Trustees will begin the process of appointing a new Director in Spring. Further announcements about the organisations’ relocation and longer-term plans for a permanent home will be made later this year.