Pyramid View On… John Atkinson Grimshaw Celebration

Pyramid is celebrating its artistic response with Leeds Art Gallery on 13 January 2026. Come along to enjoy the artwork in Pyramid View On… John Atkinson Grimshaw, created by artists with learning disabilities and autism, enjoy some free refreshments and partake in accessible art activities facilitated by Pyramid artists.

The Visioning Group will be leading three family-friendly, creative activities for this event, inviting participants to create their own Grimshaw-inspired artwork. The activities were inspired by Pyramid View On… John Atkinson Grimshaw which is exhibiting at the Leeds Art Gallery until April.

We encourage all adults with learning disabilities, their carers and support organisations to join us for this event.

Workshop Details

Where? Artspace, Leeds Art Gallery, The Headrow, LS1 3AA
Dates: Tuesday 13 January 2026
Times: 12 – 3pm
Booking: No need to book, just turn up!
Access: Please see Leeds Art Gallery Access Guide for detailed information: https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/access-at-leeds-art-gallery-s4q2

Activities

Activity one: What do you see in the window?

The Visioning group were inspired by John Atkinson Grimshaw’s paintings of buildings at night-time to create their own sculptural silhouette. The group allowed their imaginations to run wild, illustrating colourful “windows” which they added to the sculpture. Audiences are welcome to create their own “windows’ to add to this collaborative art piece.

Activity two: Shadow puppets

The Visioning group were inspired by the beautiful silhouettes that appear throughout Grimshaw’s night-time paintings and spent time making their own silhouettes from black card. The group enjoyed casting shadows with their creations and creating stories around these. Audiences are welcome to join in and create their own shadow puppets, the lighting in Artspace is perfect for bringing them alive!

Activity three: Drawing prompts

Visioning group member James loves writing lists. Grimshaw’s paintings inspired him to make a huge, beautiful list which is written on a watercolour background decorated like the night sky. Every word from James’ list is in a top hat. Audiences are welcome to reach in to select a drawing prompt and create a picture inspired by James’ vivid imagination.

The creative workshops will run alongside Pyramid View On… John Atkinson Grimshaw, an artistic response to Don’t Let’s Ask For The Moon…: Nocturnes and Atkinson Grimshaw, a major show in the main gallery exploring nocturnal themes in Grimshaw’s work and contemporary responses. This event is in partnership with Forum Central.