Exhibition Highlights Leeds Artist John Atkinson Grimshaw

Leeds Art Gallery to Showcase Nocturnal Works by Grimshaw

An exhibition focusing on the life and work of Leeds-born artist John Atkinson Grimshaw is set to open at Leeds Art Gallery this November. The show, titled Don’t Let’s Ask For the Moon: Nocturnes and Atkinson Grimshaw, will feature a selection of Grimshaw’s nocturnal paintings, watercolours, and drawings, shedding light on his artistic contributions and influence.

About John Atkinson Grimshaw and His Work

John Atkinson Grimshaw (1836–1893) was a largely self-taught artist from Leeds, known for his atmospheric nocturnal scenes, often referred to as “moonlights.” Born on Park Street in Leeds, Grimshaw initially drew inspiration from the Pre-Raphaelites and developed a distinctive style through his interest in photography and his exploration of light and shadow.

His works capture urban and city settings illuminated by moonlight and artificial lighting, providing a poetic and modern perspective on Victorian life. Grimshaw’s paintings, such as Nightfall down the Thames (1880) and Reflections on the Aire: On Strike (1879), demonstrate his skill in portraying night scenes and have been part of the Leeds Art Gallery collection for over a century.

Exhibition Details and Featured Works

The exhibition will display 17 pieces from the Leeds Art Gallery collection, including Grimshaw’s depictions of Leeds streets like Boar Lane and Park Row. Notable works include:

• Nightfall down the Thames (1880)
• Reflections on the Aire: On Strike (1879)
• Knostrop Cut, Leeds, Sunday Night (1893), one of Grimshaw’s final paintings

Alongside Grimshaw’s works, the exhibition will feature pieces by four contemporary painters — Elizabeth Magill, Selma Makela, Judith Tucker, and Joanna Whittle — as well as neon and photographic works by Roger Palmer. This combination aims to place Grimshaw’s art within a modern context, moving beyond Victorian nostalgia.

Community Projects and Additional Features

The exhibition has also inspired two community projects that will be displayed throughout its run:

• We Bathe in Starlight: The Arts and Minds Poetry Project
• Pyramid View On…John Atkinson Grimshaw

Comments from Officials

Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, commented on the exhibition:

“John Atkinson Grimshaw’s works are recognised around the world for both their beauty and the unique style and ingenuity of their creator and it’s wonderful to see a Leeds-born artist celebrated in this exciting exhibition.”

“The collection at Leeds Art Gallery is truly world class and having street scenes of Leeds on display alongside work by so many prestigious artists past and present also brings home what an important cultural destination Leeds is.”

Jane Bhoyroo, Principal Keeper at Leeds Art Gallery, added:

“The exhibition also serves to honour our former colleague Alex Robertson, who was largely responsible for revitalising the reputation of Atkinson Grimshaw from the late 1970s. He sadly passed away just less than a year ago, and we hope the exhibition will be a fitting tribute to his long endeavour.”

Exhibition Dates and Venue

Don’t Let’s Ask For the Moon: Nocturnes and Atkinson Grimshaw opens at Leeds Art Gallery on Friday, 14 November 2025, and will run until 19 April 2026. Leeds Art Gallery operates as a “Give What You Can” venue.