Leicester People’s Photographic Gallery

I went into the Leicester Peoples Photographic Gallery today to see the current exhibition that has been put on by The Royal Photographic Society. The building itself used to be the main library for Leicester but it now houses a college and a Photographic Gallery. As I entered the building I was greeted by a very polite young lady (blonde girl) who directed me to the gallery area upstairs. As I was walked up the main staircase I was greeted by a very untidy desk full of cups, old food packages, papers and other random items and not really something I expected to be on display in such a public place, especially when hosting such a prestigious exhibition. Sat around the desk where several people who where chatting away and seemed to be treating the gallery more as a community center than as a gallery space. Being a lone female I felt quite intimidated by the loudness of the conversation and so I decided not to make any eye contact with the group and quickly went on to look at the photographs. As I walked around and looked at the amazing work submitted by the RPS, I couldn't help but notice that the conversation was getting louder and the older gentleman (Grey Hair & Chubby) began using foul language which really shocked me in such a public place. A younger gentleman also began to talk louder and what I can only describe as pub banter began to en-tale. The gallery itself was also very messy with furniture placed randomly, packaging and bubble wrap just left on the floor (health & safety) and the walls could do with a lick of white paint so it looks like a gallery rather than a disused room. Now don't get me wrong the photographs on display are superb and I was blown away by the standard of the photographs and didn't realise just how talented the people of Leicester are. But what let's this place down is the people hanging around and treating it as if it is some sort of meeting place for the unemployed (or similar). The language used by the group was totally inappropriate for such a public place and so was the subject matter and not something I would choose to quote in this review and as a lone female I felt very intimidated by the whole affair. Photography may be a male driven activity, but it doesn't mean I should be subject to a pub style atmosphere when I visit such a public place. I won't be returning to The Peoples Gallery and I will be telling others about my experience and I hope that by leaving this review it might encourage the Gallery/College management team to actually think about how a public space should be used and what is appropriate behavior from the people that visit it and how to police that behavior. A BIG THUMBS UP FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHERS OF THE RPS AND LEICESTER. A HUGE THUMBS DOWN FOR THE GALLERY ITSELF.

Stupid Receptionist ! Sorry for being rude but it was absolutely ridiculous as they had no idea about the question i asked about their gallery and about photography group they have ! She didnt even know what i was asking ? I asked for a membership form and she gave me a photography course detail and enrolment form even after repeating myself thrice! It was two indian ladies about 40s . And a group of man at cafe chatting away and no respect for gallery i guess that they shud keep the volume low or keep quit ?! Never mind !