Ana Baeza Ruiz
The chapter discusses the application of new museum ideals in the regional context of Leeds City Art Gallery, and Philip Hendy’s endeavours for radical reform, including his unrealised plans for a purpose-built art gallery and civic centre. Beginning with the central premise that Hendy sought to make the art gallery “an essential part of modern life,” the chapter examines the interlocking discourses of democracy, visual education and the everyday with reformist aims to promote “good design” ideals among the wider public. As a project with modernist overtones, Hendy’s vision of the art museum was focused on the “eye” to ensure the focused attention of visitors, denoting regulatory aspects in the pursuit of this more democratic museum.