Hockney at Salts Mill
Salts Mill holds an ever-evolving selection of work by David Hockney in the 1853 Gallery and other exhibition spaces. This page keeps it practical: what to look for, how long to allow, when it’s quietest, photo etiquette, where to get books & posters, and accessibility notes.
- Free entry (check hours)
- Original works & editions
- Great rainy-day option
What to see
Displays change over time, but several threads recur. Treat the 1853 Gallery as a curated overview and don’t worry about “seeing everything” — it’s better to slow down and choose a handful of works to stand with.
1853 Gallery highlights
Large-scale prints and drawings that show Hockney’s color and line at their most immediate. Expect poster-friendly images alongside pieces that reward close looking.
Yorkshire landscapes
Vivid seasonal views — hawthorns, lanes and big skies — that connect beautifully with Saltaire’s own setting. Watch for multi-panel works and bold digital compositions.
iPad drawings & new media
Look for sequences and time-based experiments. The technology changes, but the subject — seeing — stays constant.
Portraits & people
Cleaner lines and saturated palettes; you can trace decades of stylistic shifts in a couple of rooms.
Tip
If you’re short on time, pick one room and move deliberately — two minutes of attention beats twenty photos you’ll never look at again.
How long to spend
Allow 60–90 minutes for a focused visit to the Hockney displays, or up to 2 hours if you pair it with a relaxed browse of the book & poster shop. Add extra time on rainy weekends and during school holidays — queues build at peak times.
- Short stop (45–60 min): One gallery, three works to linger with, quick poster browse.
- Classic visit (90 min): 1853 Gallery + books, then coffee downstairs.
- Make a day of it (2–3 hrs): Galleries, full bookshop loop, lunch, and a village walk.
Best times to visit
Quieter windows
Weekday mornings and later afternoons are usually calm. If it’s raining, expect more people across the Mill.
Busiest
Late mornings and early afternoons on weekends and school holidays. Go early or aim after 3pm.
Photography & etiquette
Policies can change, but a safe rule is: no flash, keep a respectful distance, and avoid blocking sightlines. If staff ask not to photograph a work, please follow their request. Tripods and bulky bags aren’t practical in tight spaces.
Want something for the wall? The poster shop has licensed prints and books with excellent reproductions — better than a dim phone snap.
Books & posters
The Book & Poster Shop upstairs is one of the best independent bookshops in the region, with a huge Hockney section and archive posters. Downstairs, The Home stocks design-led gifts, art books and practical homeware. See our Shops guide for details.
Buying a poster?
Check sizes and paper stock; many designs have multiple formats. Ask the team about framing options nearby.
Reading list
Start with illustrated overviews, then pick a period you love (LA pools, Yorkshire, iPad drawings). Our history reading list has broader Saltaire context too.
Eat & drink nearby
For a quick stop, the mill has cafés; for more choice walk up Victoria Road into the village for coffee, lunch or a pint. See our Eat & Drink picks.
- Brunch options on or near the mill.
- Best coffee in walking distance.
- Pubs & beer gardens close by.
Accessibility
Entrances are step-free with lifts to upper floors. Aisles vary in width by gallery — mornings are easiest for wheelchair users and prams. Accessible loos are signposted. For a smooth approach from parking, see our Parking guide.
If you need extra support, speak to staff at the main entrance — they’re used to helping with directions and lift access.
Quick answers
Q1.Is entry to the Hockney displays free?
Yes, Salts Mill is free to enter. Some special shows or events may differ; check signs on the day.
Q2.Do the displays change?
Yes. Works rotate. Don’t worry if something you’ve seen online isn’t up — there’s always plenty to enjoy.
Q3.Can I take photos?
Policies vary by room; avoid flash and follow any posted notices or staff requests.
Q4.How do I get there by train?
Saltaire station is a short, level walk from the mill. Our getting here guide covers trains from Leeds and Bradford.
Plan the perfect Salts Mill visit
Pair the galleries with the bookshop, coffee and a short village walk to Roberts Park — all within minutes.