The Picture Library

The Picture Library is an art lending scheme open to residents and businesses of Yorkshire.

We have hundreds of original works of art to choose from and borrow; whether you’re into landscapes or abstracts, historic or contemporary art, crazy about Matisse or passionate about Moore, there’s a work of art for everyone to enjoy at home.

Individual

£6.50 per month for 1 artwork
£13 per month for 2 artworks
Unlimited swaps

Third sector

£33 per month*
5 artworks

Business

£88 per month*
8 artworks

Gift Membership
  • £78 payable by cash or card
  • 1 piece of artwork
  • up to 1 year / up to 4 artwork swaps
  • no minimum period contract

Buy on our shop at Leeds Art Gallery.

Scheme length and payments

All Picture Library membership options are 12 month contracts, billed monthly. Your contract will be renewed automatically every 12 months unless you contact us to cancel it.

Your monthly membership fee is paid by Direct Debit, an easy and convenient way to pay.

How to become a member

To become a member, simply come to one of our selection dates at Leeds Art Gallery and complete an application form.

We will need to make a copy of your ID and run a soft credit check in order to set you up for Direct Debit payments. Please make sure you bring a valid proof of ID with you on the day.

Choosing artworks

Choosing and exchanging works of art couldn’t be easier. We host special selection events at Leeds Art Gallery four times a year where works of art from our collection are displayed in frames ready for selection. You can select your favourite works and take them away the same day.

Tax information

Personal plan prices are inclusive of VAT and open to residents based in Yorkshire only.

*Business and Third sector plan prices are exclusive of VAT and open to private, public and third sector organisations based in the Yorkshire region only.

Picture Library selection weekends

Don’t miss our lively and much-loved Picture Library Selection Weekends. Join us on the following dates between 11am – 2pm to swap your artwork(s) or become a member.

Help support the arts

More than 500 works of art from our collection are currently in homes, offices and community centres across Yorkshire. We collaborate with many organisations to foster an active interest in the visual arts, improve wellbeing in hospitals and inspire learning in classrooms.

We are generously supported by Arts Council England who help cover some of our costs. The rest comes from people like you. Your membership fees and donations help fund our ongoing program supporting young and emerging artists.

Gift Membership

You can help us spread the love of art and support the Picture Library by treating someone special to a Picture Library Gift Membership.

  • £78 payable by cash or card
  • 1 piece of artwork
  • up to 1 year / up to 4 artwork swaps
  • no minimum period contract

Gift Memberships are available to purchase in person in the shop at Leeds Art Gallery. The 12 month membership period begins only after the first artwork is borrowed.

Further information

For further information or to ask a question, please contact us.

Email