'I look after one of Leeds’ greatest treasures - and this summer is our biggest celebration yet'
‘The gallery has always been for the people of the city’
Leeds Art Gallery has stood at the heart of the city for more than 130 years, welcoming generations of visitors through its doors and housing one of the country's most important collections of British art.
As Principal Keeper, Jane Bhoyroo plays a key role in ensuring that legacy continues, overseeing the gallery's exhibitions, collections and day-to-day operations while helping connect new audiences with Leeds' rich artistic heritage.
At the heart of her role is a commitment to protecting the gallery's rich history while ensuring its collections continue to inspire new audiences across the city and beyond.
Jane told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "I oversee the programme at the gallery and the team here, as well as operations. We also have the Tiled Hall Café, which is an important part of our offer for visitors.
"We're a very collaborative team, but I'm the most senior person on site. We're also part of Leeds Museums and Galleries, so we're one of eight sites."
Jane's passion for heritage began during her studies, where she developed an interest not only in art history but also in historic buildings and architecture.
She said: "I studied art history at school and university, and I also studied historic country houses as part of architectural history.
"For me, it's wonderful to be working in such an important historic building in the city. We were built in 1888 and I enjoy our central city location."
The gallery welcomes more than 250,000 visitors each year and remains free to enter, something Jane believes is central to its purpose.
"The gallery has always been here as a gallery for the people of the city," she said.
"We have a strong civic function. There is no admission charge, so everybody is welcomed through our doors."
Visitors can explore works spanning centuries, from Victorian paintings to contemporary commissions, while the building itself tells its own story.
Jane said: "The building itself has got many different stories to tell. Over the years it has been reconfigured. Parts of the building have been covered and then uncovered.
"I feel like the gallery has a history that's full of reinvention."
That commitment to preserving the past while investing in the future can also be seen in the gallery's renowned sculpture collection.
Jane said: "We're really well known for sculpture. Our collection of sculpture is one of the best outside the national collections.
"We have Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth on display, and we're continuing to collect works by artists making work today. We really care about artists in our city.
"If we're thinking about heritage, we're always thinking about who are the next Barbara Hepworths and Henry Moores, or who are the artists of tomorrow. We support them early on in their careers."
That philosophy is reflected in the gallery's ambitious Summer of Sculpture programme, which showcases historic works alongside contemporary artists.
Jane said: "This summer is set to be a hugely exciting time for the gallery and for the arts in Leeds, as we prepare to exhibit work by some of the most innovative and influential sculptors from the 20th century and those working today.
"This striking programme will see the gallery host an entire summer season devoted to sculpture, giving visitors the chance to experience historically innovative work from our world-class collection alongside enthralling sculptures by contemporary artists presented in Leeds for the first time."
Among the highlights are works by internationally renowned artists including Jean Arp and British sculptor Garth Evans, alongside a new commission from Yorkshire artist Hannah Catherine Jones and an exhibition bringing together historic and contemporary artists across generations.
Jane hopes visitors leave with a greater appreciation of the collection Leeds has on its doorstep.
"I hope they'll understand how incredible the collections are that we have here at Leeds Art Gallery," she said.
Making art accessible remains a key part of the gallery's mission.
One of its most unique initiatives is the Picture Library, a long-running scheme that allows Yorkshire residents to borrow artworks and display them in their own homes.
Jane said: "It's the most marvellous lending scheme and it's been going for decades now.
"It only costs £87 a year to borrow one work. You can swap your picture four times a year or keep the same picture for the whole year.
"It's a great way for people to bring art into their homes."
As well as giving people the chance to live with original artworks, the scheme helps support the gallery and strengthen connections between communities and the collection.
"It's also about feeling part of a community," said Jane.
"It's one of the many ways the collection reaches many different parts of the city and the county."
For Jane, the most rewarding part of her work is seeing how art can inspire people and offer new perspectives.
"I really enjoy seeing how, when people engage with artwork, it might inspire them or change the way they look at the world," she said.
"It might open their minds to different levels of understanding. It might help open their eyes to different points in history.
"I hope people will feel welcomed when they come here. I hope they'll find it's a place to be inspired, a place to think, a place just to be as well."
Looking ahead, Jane believes one of the biggest challenges facing galleries and heritage organisations is caring for the historic buildings that house so much of our shared culture.
"One of the biggest challenges is looking after a historic building," she said.
"They require maintenance. They need to be cared for and looked after.
"We have these architectural gems within our city that tell so many different stories, and they're a really important part of our identity here in Leeds."
And with a summer packed full of exhibitions, events and creative opportunities, she has one simple message for Yorkshire residents.
"I just hope people will come and visit us this summer," Jane said.
"Whether they're new to sculpture or familiar with the medium, come and enjoy. Some of the shows are quite playful, so come with your families as well.
"We are encouraging people to be interactive, creative and enjoy everything the gallery has to offer."