A NEW Bradford City Centre art gallery opened its doors to the public over the weekend.

The Peacock Gallery in North Parade is a new art gallery and vintage decor boutique concept combined, and will be featuring its first exhibitor Simon Sugden and his artwork.

Mr Sugden's exhibition will display "urbex" photography, which brings to life forsaken mills, tunnels, hospitals, schoolrooms, taverns and farmhouses.

Located above the Peacock Bar in North Parade, Peacock Gallery offers the opportunity for emerging artists and photographers to display their work in an informal gallery setting.

Art and vintage lovers alike will be able to socialise, eat, drink and see the items on display.

Mr Sugden, 50, is a Bradford-based photographer who encounters broken floorboards, sharp glass, and steps which disintegrate when climbed to capture photographs depicting the North's industrial past. The structures are abandoned, due to be demolished or hazardous.

Mr Sugden said: "The architecture around Bradford, the mills and the like got me into capturing it all with photography.

"People shouldn't walk around looking down at the floor. They need to have a look up at some of the lovely buildings around us."

Mr Sugden says that the empty buildings are something to enjoy but that he takes precautions when taking his photographs.

He added: "I take risks but there's always two of us. We don't walk around in trainers. We wear quality boots and make sure there's plenty of light. We are really careful.

"Sometimes you have to get in there and get the shots and get out."

Distinctive exhibitors are chosen for their ability to work outside the box.

The gallery is curated by Kath Canoville, 53, of events management company Uneeq Events CIC. The Artistic Director has also programmed the Bradford Mela.

Ms Canoville said: "The idea for the Peacocks Gallery is to have a rotation of photographers every four to five weeks.

"We've got the space for them to display their work as well as sell it."

Afro-Caribbean work will also be put up for display, with a new project beginning in October.

She added: "We're trying to create a permanent archive of Afro-Caribbean history in Bradford."

The exhibition will include hand-carved vintage breweriana signs by K&U Pub Vintage which will be available for purchase.

The Peacock Gallery opened on Saturday and the exhibition will run until Friday, July 13 at 25 North Parade, Bradford. Entry is free.

For more information, visit www.uneeqevents.com.