MEET THE MEMBER – The Sculpture Gallery
Founded by a passionate group of sculptors determined to create opportunities for themselves and others, The Sculpture Gallery stands as the UK’s only artist-led space devoted exclusively to sculptural art. Located in Leeds Corn Exchange, the gallery was built on principles of collaboration and shared vision, operating as a true collective. In conversation with members David Iredale, Steve Williams, Mandy Long and Pete Donnelly, it became clear that this spirit of mutual support continues to shape every aspect of its development.
Pictured: (left to right) David Iredale, Steve Williams, Mandy Long, Pete Donnelly
Sculptor and co-owner David Iredale began by recounting the gallery’s origin story. Following the Covid years and national lockdowns, he decided that “sculptors needed a lift” and that a group exhibition would be the best way to provide it. Bringing together artists he already knew with others discovered online, David assembled 16 sculptors and 102 artworks. “After making and painting over 70 wooden plinths (now used in the gallery), Sculpture Show North was born”.
Install shot of Sculpture Show North
The 10-day exhibition proved pivotal, and during the show, a group of exhibitors began to imagine a permanent presence in the building. “Six months later, after five weeks of sanding and painting, we had arrived!” David exclaimed. Nearly four years on, The Sculpture Gallery has grown from strength to strength. Its network of sculptors continues to expand, its reputation within the local arts community has deepened, and recognition now extends regionally and nationally.
Steve Williams reflected on how the gallery’s artist-led model has shaped its business. “There are only a handful of commercial galleries dedicated to sculpture in the UK”, he noted, “and we are the only one run by artists, which is, in itself, quite something”. Members collectively share costs, responsibilities and time, taking turns to invigilate exhibitions and engage with visitors and prospective buyers.
“This gives us all great pleasure and pride in not only being able to show our work but to talk to people about our gallery, our practice and that of our colleagues as well. When visitors realise that they are talking to one of the artists, their whole attitude changes and they become much more engaged”.
Exhibiting sculpture can be challenging, with relatively few spaces focused on presenting a sculptor’s full body of work. Supporting fellow artists is therefore central to the gallery’s mission. Through a programme of monthly exhibitions, The Sculpture Gallery has built a network of more than 50 artists and presents hundreds of works for sale online. Guest artists are selected democratically. When a member proposes someone new, their name is added to a shared list and voted on collectively. The criteria are clear: “not do we like the work personally, but do we think it is of a high enough quality, will it sit comfortably with the other work, and of course, do we consider it sufficiently sculptural”, Steve explained. Materials are wide-ranging – from stone, wood and ceramics to found objects and even paint.
Install shots from ‘Dance’ exhibition
This collective structure has also enabled the gallery to exhibit at art fairs. At the Manchester Art Fair in 2025, 18 artists shared the costs and benefits of presenting a Sculpture Gallery stand to more than 10,000 visitors. “We are very different to most other galleries”, said Steve, “as we are much more focused on having and allowing others to show their work rather than commercial profitability. If we can pay the rent and keep the gallery going, then we are happy, but even that is a challenge these days”.
Acting as a regional home for commercially available 3D art lies at the heart of their ambition. Yorkshire has a strong sculptural heritage, with institutions such as Yorkshire Sculpture Park, The Hepworth Wakefield and Henry Moore Institute, yet there are few galleries dedicated to selling the work of independent 3D artists. In contrast, the South of England benefits from specialist spaces such as Pangolin London and Bowman Sculpture. “We want to be the place to go to in the North of England”, Steve expressed.
Install shot from ‘Fragments’ exhibition
Creating a welcoming atmosphere is fundamental to that vision. Mandy Long described the careful thought given to every detail, from desk placement and music to exhibition layout, ensuring the space feels inviting rather than intimidating. “When someone steps into the gallery”, she explained, “we want them to feel curious initially and then to feel they can make a connection with some of the work”. Connection, she emphasised, does not necessarily mean liking a piece. “Research tells us that exposure to art increases well-being. Personally, we don’t think we needed the research to know that – art has the capacity to make us all feel good, whether we’re making it or taking it in on some level”. Ultimately, the aim is simple: visitors should leave feeling better than when they arrived.
Since 2022, the gallery has been part of the Own Art network. Pete Donnelly described the partnership as having played “an important role in widening access to larger works”. He observed two key trends: the availability of interest-free finance enables buyers to consider works that might otherwise feel out of reach, and many collectors return for further purchases once their payment period ends, “suggesting that the scheme encourages longer-term engagement with galleries and artists rather than one-off purchases”. As Pete put it,
“Own Art supports not only individual sales but the development of ongoing relationships between collectors and artists”.
For the team, art ownership is deeply personal. Mandy reflected that it is, once again,“all about connection”. Often, the sculptor who made the work is the one selling it – and sometimes even delivering it to a buyer’s home. That connection, Mandy reiterated, “is where the story starts”.
Pete added, “We actively encourage dialogue between artists and visitors so that discussions around work feel open and welcoming rather than formal or exclusive”.
On a practical note, Mandy added that splitting payments into manageable amounts through Own Art“makes it much easier for many more people to take that step into art ownership. It should probably come with a warning, though – once you’ve bought one, you’ll almost certainly want more”.
Reducing intimidation and broadening access remain central priorities. Alongside exhibitions, the gallery hosts open events and workshops that introduce visitors to sculptural processes. These initiatives help to “demystify how work is created and invite people to see creativity as something accessible rather than specialist”. Their belief is clear,“Making art is not limited to a select few – anyone can create – and galleries should feel like spaces where that possibility is welcomed”.
The Sculpture Gallery carving course
Looking ahead, The Sculpture Gallery has an ambitious programme planned for 2026 and beyond, including a mix of group and solo exhibitions that will introduce new guest artists alongside the collective’s own work. They will return to Manchester Art Fair in November 2026 with a fresh cohort of artists, “giving them the exposure they deserve”. A new Art and Wine series is also in development, in collaboration with a wine company, to host tasting evenings within the gallery. “What could be better than to combine storytelling about the making of delicious wines with that about the creativity of sculpture in a beautiful space”, Steve remarked, “It promises to be a lot of fun for all involved”.
Install shot from ‘Dance’ exhibition
At its core, The Sculpture Gallery is more than a gallery – it is a shared endeavour rooted in generosity, resilience and belief in the power of three-dimensional art. By placing artists at the centre of its model and connection at the heart of its mission, the collective is steadily reshaping what a regional gallery can be. Collaborative rather than competitive, welcoming rather than exclusive, and driven not simply by sales, but by a genuine commitment to sustaining sculptural practice in the North of England and beyond.
Discover The Sculpture Gallery for yourself:
Visit their website: www.thesculpturegallery.co.uk
Follow them on Instagram: sculpturegalleryleeds
The Sculpture Gallery
8 – 9 The Balcony, Leeds Corn Exchange, Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 7BR
(Check the website for opening hours)
All images courtesy of The Sculpture Gallery