Dean Clough Mills

When owned by the Crossleys, Dean Clough was a town within a town.  It provided accomodation, transport, work and shopping facilities for its workers.  Today this is continued with the vast array of services and facilities onsite.  As one drives past on the A58 flyover, you could be forgiven for thinking it's just a block of offices ... however ....

In the reception area immediately you notice the liberal display of art pieces - sculptures and paintings alike.   In fact, whilst Dean Clough has a specific Art Gallery with gift shop in reception, the whole building is a gallery displaying art from resident artists and guests also.  Watercolours, oils, woodcuts and even plain old photographs are all here along with sculptures - many of which include the industrial heritage from which the area was born.

The Viaduct Gallery Cafe bar provides snacks and refreshments for drop in visitors and also for people lucky enough to take in a performance in the Viaduct Theatre (a performance art space in the cellars - very reminiscent of the arched cellars in many a "Phantom of the Opera" production.  Alternatively the Design House Restaurant provides full meal services in a delightful setting.

IOU displaying at Dean Clough Halifax

There's so much more going on down there, it's well worth a visit - you never know, you may even go there just to work.  I could think of many more places that I'd rather not be employed!

Visit Dean Clough's website (http://www.deanclough.com/)

Many thanks to IOU Theatre for letting us in unannounced: see their website (http://www.ioutheatre.org/)