About us
About Impressions Gallery
Impressions Gallery is a charity that helps people to understand the world through photography and acts as an agent for change
We opened in 1972 as one of the first specialist photography galleries in the country, and have played a vital role in changing the way people think about photography. We continue to support and encourage ground-breaking artists who challenge and change photography. We present world-class exhibitions that explore issues such as identity, race, gender and politics. We showcase new and recent work, as well as historical photography outside the mainstream.
We believe photography is for everyone. All our exhibitions and the vast majority of our events are free. We work with our communities and support learning at all levels. We stage exhibitions that are challenging and thought-provoking, and we do not shy away from art that is perceived to be 'difficult'. It is our job to make this work accessible for everyone to enjoy. Every year many thousands of people visit the gallery to experience our exhibitions or take part in our events, workshops or education programme. In addition, up to 100,000 people annually see an Impressions Gallery exhibition on tour in the UK or abroad.
With an international reputation, we’re proud to be in Bradford. We are an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, supported by Bradford Metropolitan District Council.


Our impact on photography
"Impressions Gallery is one of our leading photography organisations, and an important part of the infrastructure around contemporary British culture."
- Sunil Gupta, artist, writer, activist and curator
Explore our archive
Our team
Our trustees
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Emma Cheshire
Project Director, FutureGov. Cofounder of Futurelabs and Dotforge.
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Julian Rodriguez
Head of the Department of Film & Photography at Kingston University, London.
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Kevin Doherty
Retired solicitor and trustee of Roundabout, youth homeless charity, Sheffield.
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Sarah Evans
Fine Art and Photography teacher with 14 years experience and has led numerous projects supporting young people to engage with the arts.
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Sophie Gerrard
Award-winning photographer and co-founder of Document Scotland. Lecturer in Photography at Edinburgh Napier University.
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Usmaan Arshad
Former member of New Focus now working as a film-maker and freelance camera assistant.
Be part of our story
Impressions Gallery is a charity and we fundraise for everything we do. We welcome your donation, large or small, and even as little as £3 a month can make a difference. Join our family of supporters and help keep our exhibitions free, forever.
Donate now
