New exhibition trails University’s treasures on paper

Picking up the paper trail, and telling the fascinating stories behind both well-known and seldom-seen works, Paper Trails: Treasures on Paper from the University Art Collection also explores the history of collecting among prominent figures connected to the University and the city of Leeds. The exhibition runs from 2 May until 28 July 2012. The Gallery is open from Monday to Saturday, 10am-5pm and admission is free.

The exhibition presents a vast range of works, with diverse themes and styles - from the abstract to the traditional, from the domestic to the historical. Showing examples by artists who are important for the region, such as Jacob Kramer, Terry Frost and Patrick Heron, there are also pieces by internationally-renowned artists, including Camille Pissarro, Robert Motherwell and even - blink and you'll miss it! - Pablo Picasso. As works on paper, many of the selections are too fragile to be on frequent display, so this is a rare opportunity to see a diverse selection all presented together.

Continuing the Gallery's programme of exhibitions to mark the centenary of Sir Michael Sadler's Vice- Chancellorship (1911-1923), 'Paper Trails' includes works gifted by the former Vice-Chancellor, as well as paying tribute to the collection's other benefactors over the years. It is their generosity which has helped to establish a healthy culture of giving at Leeds, which distinguishes the University Art Collection.

The exhibition also celebrates the crucial - but largely unseen - work behind the scenes at the Gallery: the immense job of cataloguing the University Art Collection Catalogue, comprising approximately 3500 artworks. Former Keeper of the University Art Collection, Hilary Diaper, has worked tirelessly since 1984 to complete this monumental task, following on from the efforts of the Gallery's first curator, Phyllis Winning. Later this year, the results of this long-term research project will be made publicly available online. Comprehensive details of the collection and its history will soon be available to a worldwide audience, with the launch of the Gallery's new online image database. The database will be the consolidation of over 30 years of research - and the resolution of a very long paper trail! - which will for the first time be freely accessible to the public in an online catalogue.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a full programme of related talks and events, including the popular Burton Saturdays, free creative activities suitable for all ages. Full event details can be found on the gallery website: www.leeds.ac.uk/gallery/events.htm