Manchester Art Gallery - Up Close

Published to celebrate the major refurbishment and new building at Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester Art Gallery; Up Close examines in detail many of the Gallery's highlights. Paintings by Bacon, Stubbs, Riley, Gainsborough sit alongside the many famous Pre-Raphaelite images for which the Gallery is perhaps best known - including Holman-Hunt's Hireling Shepherd, Ford Maddox Brown's Work and Millais's Autumn Leaves. The Gallery's fine collection of decorative arts is represented by sumptuous pieces of furniture, ceramics and glass, such as Kate Malone's Pineapple Vase and richly coloured tiles from the Pilkington Tile Factory. Stunning photographs of the new building are also included. 45 objects are examined in detail with each image accompanied by an extended caption, placing the object in context. The lively text maintains a fascinating exploration of how works of art demand a response from the viewer while presenting the Gallery as a vibrant part of the city, both past and present.