Friday of last week saw Press events in London and Manchester to announce the date when the Whitworth, closed to the public since 1 September 2012, will reopen its doors, revealing the wonderful new Gallery spaces and facilities, and with a spectacular programme of exhibitions, combining ambitious contemporary art installations alongside the Gallery’s own permanent collections.

The day started with a breakfast launch in London, with presentations from architect Stuart McKnight of MUMA, and artist Cornelia Parker, whose work will feature in the Whitworth’s suite of three newly refurbished main galleries. For the full opening exhibition programme see: http://www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/whatson/exhibitions/openingprogramme/

Artist Cornelia Parker at the Press launch in London with an image of her work, Cold Dark Matter: An Exploded View, 1991, on the screen

The train whisking Gallery staff back up north was on time, and the sun shone for the second event in Manchester, where visiting press listened to…