The sad news came this morning.
In a heartfelt statement, much-loved gallery and creative space The Tetley announced that its lease has come to an end, and as a result will be closing its doors later this month.
The exhibition space, Tiny Tetley play area and T Bar and Cafe will both close from Sunday 22 October 2023, but the building will remain open throughout November and December to host private events and honour existing bookings for building takeovers by community initiatives and festivals.
This includes Baby Week Leeds and Big Up festival of art and social change.
In 2024, The Tetley plans to continue its artistic programme, but will move off the site. Confirmed projects like Inside Out, ‘a new participatory art project designed to facilitate children’s play in collaboration with communities and partner organisations in Beeston and Beeston Hill’, will still take place.
This isn’t the end for everything that The Tetley offers, but sadly it is the end of the creative space inside the former brewery building as we know it.
The company behind the brand, Project Space Leeds, hopes to announce plans for a new home in the future. The Tetley has said it will be “continuing its mission to create a platform for amazing emerging artists, present breathtaking free exhibitions and help communities and young people in Leeds find their creative voices”.
The Tetley has told those interested in enquiring about the original Tetley building itself should contact Aire Park, the new neighbourhood that’s opened adjacent to The Tetley.
The Tetley announced the news via Instagram explaining:
“We have some important news. After ten years here at The Tetley, we’ll be leaving our iconic building at the end of the year, as our lease comes to an end.
“Since opening as an art gallery in 2013, we’ve welcomed nearly a million visitors through our doors – and we’re immensely proud of everything we’ve achieved here.
“In the last ten years, we’ve presented 56 exhibitions, (including Yorkshire’s only Turner-prize winner!) and worked with more than 1200 artists – based locally, nationally and internationally.
“As well as our breathtaking programme of free exhibitions, and a busy events schedule of weddings, conferences and events, we also pride ourselves on engaging with our local communities.
“In the last year alone, the gallery’s under 5s play space, Tiny Tetley Studio, has welcomed more than 10,000 young children, parents and carers, and the gallery’s participation programme has engaged with 14,000 people, hosting community groups and organisations at the building and working offsite in south Leeds to bring creative projects to parks and community centres.”
For all the information about The Tetley’s announcement, you can read the full statement here.
About The Tetley
Located on Leeds’ South Bank on Hunslet Road, The Tetley has been housing a beautiful contemporary art gallery, but it was once the home of Leeds’ oldest brewing dynasties, synonymous with the city for over two centuries.
The brewery was founded by Joshua Tetley in 1822, when he bought the site for a mere £400. A few years later in 1839 he made his son, Francis William a partner, creating Joshua Tetley and Son.
At its peak, Tetley was Britain’s biggest cask ale brewery, employing thousands of people and owning around 1,000 pubs across England. In the 1980s, Tetley’s became the world’s largest producers of cask ale and was taken over by Carlsberg in 1988.
Unfortunately the brewery closed in 2011 and was demolished a year later, but the Leeds connection is maintained through the No.3 Pale Ale. The famous tipple is still being brewed in Leeds and uses the original recipe from 1868, using the same unique double strain of yeast that creates the distinctive, delicious taste we all know and love.
The building was transformed in 2013 and now hosts unique gallery spaces and studios for creatives to showcase their work.
Read More:
- Short Stuff: The rich history of The Tetley Brewery
- “Times are incredibly tough right now for everyone”: Nam Song Caphe announces closure after two years in Leeds
- All the places in and around Leeds for a Sunday roast dinner
If you can get over in the next few weeks to show your support to this iconic Leeds venue while you can, it’s well worth a visit.
We’ve had so much fun exploring the exhibitions and dining inside the cafe and bar over the years, We’re really going to miss you Tetley!
Feature Image – The Tetley
