Portrait of a construction worker by Gavin Parry

Gavin Parry: Inside Out

Explore the construction of Impressions Gallery in Bradford, narrated by the people that built it.

Photographer Gavin Parry takes an unconventional look at the construction of a major new space for Impressions Gallery, in this specially commissioned artwork.

This short film weaves together portraits and voices of the people involved, ‘still lives’ of building debris, and an inventory of the Bradford businesses that once stood on the site. Parry began work in February 2007 and continued until Impressions Gallery opened on 18 August 2007.  In keeping with Impressions’ artistic vision, Parry’s images go beyond a straightforward documentary approach. Parry says, “I’m interested not just in the architectural and design details, but the evidence of human activity – the tea and biscuits and the wiring diagrams drawn on the wall.” His wry and perceptive photographic observations are accompanied by a soundtrack featuring the voices of people who worked on the construction of the new building.

Impressions Gallery was established in York in 1972, and chose to relocate to Bradford in 2005 at the invitation of the city. Inside Out offers a long-lasting record of Bradford’s commitment to culture and regeneration, giving viewers and insight into this historic move.

Film edited by Sarabjit Kohli.

Portrait of a construction worker by Gavin Parry
Gavin Parry: Inside Out — Impressions Gallery
Artwork by Gavin Parry
Gavin Parry: Inside Out — Impressions Gallery
Gavin Parry: Inside Out — Impressions Gallery
Gavin Parry: Inside Out — Impressions Gallery