READING about the closure of Impressions I was struck by the lukewarm goodbyes (August 26). It seems ironic that the name of the gallery should leave no lasting impression upon the city.

At a time when we hear of organisations "dumbing down" it is a new twist when we have a gallery that considers its audience too "dumb" to notice. What a contrast to the original venue which was rich in its cultural diversity.

Having been a visitor for over 20 years I remember when Impressions worked with the public to make photography a vibrant and exciting media. Now we are left with a gallery that shows exhibitions that are sad hand-me-downs of the London "scene".

More and more the gallery has turned its back on the richness of this county and instead produced technically accomplished but bland and often pointless shows. The recent South American collection was worthy only as photo wallpaper of the kind Hilda Ogden would use in her parlour.

Walking round the empty gallery one wondered at all the new and controversial things that were happening within a stone's throw of the gallery.

Add to this York's being the centre of a wonderfully rich area and you find yourself shaking your head at such worthless exhibits.

You have a gallery that leaves no Impression, other than it can't be bothered to see outside its own window.

At a time when York has so few art spaces left, one can only wonder at the sheer ineptness of losing another.

There will be no mourners at its passing. Instead we will no doubt find yet another estate agent or shopping boutique to greet us.

York should be a flourishing city for the arts and yet it only seems interested in the art of shopping. What a shame.

Stephen Pigott,

Melwood Grove,

Acomb, York.

Updated: 10:54 Tuesday, August 30, 2005