Whitworth Gallery....

I've at long last got to visit the refurbished and extended Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester. It's had a multi-million pound makeover and I have to say it's worth every penny. It was looking more than a little tired and some of the exhibits were less than engaging. But the new look gallery is a triumph giving Manchester a first class gallery of modern art, something I think we have lacked. A gallery that can compare favourably with the likes of Tate Modern in London and even MOMA in New York.

It opened to great acclaim back in February. Crowds, the size of which wouldn't have disgraced a football match, descended on the gallery to see what had been done to this much loved Manchester institution so I avoided it. I loathe crowds and I doubted you would see the art.

Today there were a lot of people in the gallery, enough to give it a pleasant buzz but not that many that they stopped you from looking at the art. Having said that I will have to go back to have a look at the art as I was so bowled over by the building. Don't get me wrong, there is some wonderful, moving, beautiful art in there (will post another picture tomorrow) but the building blew me away. The original part has been restored beautifully, tastefully decorated in a style that respects and shows off the art it exhibits. But the new part of the gallery, grafted onto the back of the Victorian building, with its sheets of plate glass affording you views into Whitworth Park is worth the trip down Oxford Road on its own.The views are living, constantly changing canvases that will look good regardless of the season. And the best bit of all is probably the cafe in its glass box where you can dine and look out among the tree tops of Whitworth Park.

If you haven't been yet, put it at the top of your list. You will not be disappointed.