Art in Leicester

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• Uncover the story - From its links to Richard III to its might as a giant of the hosiery industry – not to mention its sporting successes – Leicester has plenty to shout about. What better way to celebrate all that’s great about the city than through art, within its museums and galleries and as an ever-evolving story told by street artists. <hr> The Attenborough brothers grew up in Leicester, and the University of Leicester Attenborough Arts Centre has been supported by both, making art accessible to everyone through exhibitions, courses and workshops. <hr> Portraits of the famous siblings hang in Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, with David gazing into the Dinosaur Gallery, and Richard overlooking his donated Picasso ceramics. The collection of paintings in the Victorian Gallery spans more than 400 years, with the imposing ‘The Good Samaritan’ visitors’ first sight. Other notable works, including ‘Portrait of a Girl’ and ‘The Choirboy’, hang in 19th century salon-style, fashionable when the museum opened in 1849. <hr> Art of a different kind is painted on to walls and buildings around the city, thanks to street artists working with artists’ collective Graffwerk. Outside Newarke Houses Museum, a striking mural marks Leicester City’s 2016 Premier League win, and on Walnut Street, there’s a montage of Leicester Tigers players and an image capturing the glory of City’s 2021 FA Cup Final victory. <hr> Stunning artwork also brings the story of Richard III to life along King Richards Road, harks back to 1940s’ cinema around Belgrave Gate, and wows canal-side walkers with vivid wildlife depictions. <hr> Graffwerk’s award-winning Bring The Paint festival has revitalised parts of the city. Much of the work is centred around St George’s Cultural Quarter, where pieces celebrate the city’s industrial heritage and feature eye-catching classic graffiti styles. <hr> You can invest in art at Wingates Gallery or Belvoir Art Gallery, and immerse yourself in exhibitions at the cultural quarter’s LCB Depot, Two Queens and Leicester Print Workshop. Art is even part of shopping, with The Beacons light sculpture at Highcross Leicester an innovative piece of public artwork. <hr>