Salts Mill was once the largest industrial building in the world by floor area when it opened in 1853.
The gallery takes its name from the year the mill was constructed.
The vast, open-plan layout of the gallery floor originally accommodated thousands of textile looms.
Many of David Hockney's pieces displayed here focus on the landscape of his home region, the Yorkshire Wolds.
The mill complex contains a dedicated space for the 'Saltaire History Exhibition' detailing the model village's social history.
David Hockney was born in Bradford and has maintained a lifelong connection to the city.
The gallery frequently features rotating exhibitions alongside its permanent Hockney collection.
The building's roof features original 'north light' saw-tooth windows designed to provide consistent light for textile work, which now illuminate the art.
The Hockney 1853 Gallery is the world's largest permanent collection of works by artist David Hockney, housed within the Grade II* listed Salts Mill in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Saltaire. The gallery occupies the former spinning floor of a massive 19th-century textile mill built by Sir Titus Salt in 1853. It features a diverse range of Hockney's work, including early sketches, expansive paintings, and digital iPad drawings. The exhibition space maintains the industrial aesthetic of the original mill, utilizing its vast dimensions and natural light to showcase large-scale canvases. The gallery is integrated into a multi-use complex that includes bookshops, art supply retailers, and dining facilities. The site serves as both a cultural institution and a preservation project for Victorian industrial heritage. Visitors can view works spanning several decades, reflecting the artist’s evolving techniques and local roots in the Bradford district.
The long, wide central aisle of the gallery looking towards the signature large-scale Hockney paintings.
Spend time exploring the wider Saltaire village after visiting the gallery to see the original workers' cottages.
Check the gallery's website for temporary exhibition changes before arrival.
The complex is very large; wear comfortable walking shoes as the floors are expansive.
Rushing through the gallery without exploring the ground floor's independent bookshops and retail spaces, which are integral to the Salts Mill experience.
Open daily throughout the year, including weekends and most bank holidays.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted, but flash is strictly prohibited; keep voices low to maintain a respectful gallery environment.
