York Art Gallery

29/09/2026

It’s your turn to be the artist! ✨

Inspired by John Flaxman's elegant line drawings and expressive sculptures, our participatory gallery invites you to see the human figure in new ways through sketching, sculpting and movement!

Step into this studio environment, gently echoing the rich interior of the Royal Academy’s Life Drawing Room, first established in the late 18th Century during Flaxman’s time as a student.

Take inspiration from the artworks you've seen in the exhibition, explore your own ideas, and see where your imagination leads...

🔗 Plan your visit at: https://www.yorkartgallery.org.uk/exhibition/turner-wedgwood-and-beyond-inspired-by-flaxman/

26/09/2026

Happy International Rabbit Day! 🐇

We’re marking the day with this ceramic hare (close enough, right?).

The piece was made by Geoffrey Fuller in 1995 and is part of the W.A. Ismay Collection, one of the most significant collections of modern British studio ceramics.

Fuller was a Derbyshire potter who looked to Britain’s folk traditions and the expressive qualities of clay in his work. He created highly individual ceramic figures full of character and personality — including animals like this hare!

21/09/2026

Looking for more ways to explore the exhibition? ✨

As part of 'Turner, Wedgwood and Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman', we’re delighted to be offering a wide range of talks, activities and workshops.

Join us for our upcoming life drawing sessions, inspired by Flaxman’s fascination with classical form.

During October half-term, there’s plenty for families to get involved with too. Go on an interactive storytelling adventure with Story Craft Theatre , experiment with sculpting techniques, or try drawing from a live model in our special life drawing class for families. ✏️

You can also take a deeper dive into the research behind the exhibition through a series of half-hour gallery talks, led by academics from the University of York.

The talks programme begins on Wednesday 23 September 2026 at 12pm with 'Flaxman and the Royal Academy', a talk by Dr Richard Johns, Professor of History of Art.

🔗 Browse the full events programme: https://www.yorkartgallery.org.uk/turner-wedgwood-and-beyond-inspired-by-flaxman-events/

18/09/2026

Now open! ✨

Turner, Wedgwood & Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman is now open at York Art Gallery.

Marking 200 years since the death of York-born artist John Flaxman, the exhibition celebrates his life, work and his influence in the artistic community on fellow artists notably, J.M.W Turner, William Blake and potter Josiah Wedgwood.

The longevity of Flaxman’s creativity is explored through objects in York Art Gallery’s collection, key loans from the National Gallery, Royal Academy, National Portrait Gallery, V&A and the Barber Institute of Fine Art amongst several other UK institutions.

Supported by and produced in partnership with the Department of History of Art, University of York

🔗 Book now: https://www.yorkartgallery.org.uk/exhibition/turner-wedgwood-and-beyond-inspired-by-flaxman/

🗓️ 18 September 2026 – 17 January 2027

11/09/2026

Exhibition install is underway! 🛠️

The team have been busy preparing and hanging works for display, including this incredible Shield of Achilles from the 1820s, from our collection and modelled by John Flaxman.

Marking 200 years since the death of York-born artist John Flaxman, Turner, Wedgwood & Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman explores his life, work and influence on fellow artists and makers, including J.M.W. Turner, William Blake and potter Josiah Wedgwood.

We can’t wait for you to see it all come together! ✨

Turner, Wedgwood & Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman opens 18 September at York Art Gallery.

🎟️ Plan your visit: https://www.yorkartgallery.org.uk/exhibition/turner-wedgwood-and-beyond-inspired-by-flaxman/

10/09/2026

Artist Anna Hope 'Nan' Hudson was in 1869. 🎂

Hudson was American, but moved to Paris as a young woman to study art. While there, she met the woman who would become her life partner: fellow artist Ethel Sands.

Hudson and Sands became close friends of Walter Sickert—Hudson was especially influenced by his modern, 'Camden Town' style of painting. You can see that influence in the textured, gestural brushstrokes in this painting.

Hudson and Sands lived between England and Normandy throughout their lives, but most of their work was lost during the Second World War. This painting, which is currently on view in the Burton Gallery, is one of just four works that survive in public collections today.

We are so lucky to have it! ✨

08/09/2026

Less than 2 weeks to go until York Dog Show! 🐾

See the post below to find out more and book your tickets 👇

York Dog Show is just around the corner! 🐶

Browse our pop-up shopping village, filled with pet accessories, toys and treats, informative stalls, and a delicious food and drink offer from local artisans.

Plus, enjoy a lively programme of activity including exciting dog classes, impressive agility demonstrations, talks by veterinary experts and professional dog photography in our beautiful grounds.

📅 Sunday 20 September 2026
🕙 10am–4pm
🎟️ Adult £5, Child £2
📍 York Museum Gardens

Hosted in partnership with the team from York Dog Park

🔗 Book now at: https://www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk/whats-on/events/york-dog-show/

01/09/2026

Coming soon! ✨

Our next major exhibition Turner, Wedgwood and Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman, is almost here!

Marking 200 years since the death of York-born artist John Flaxman, the exhibition celebrates his life, work and his influence in the artistic community on fellow artists notably, J.M.W Turner, William Blake and potter Josiah Wedgwood.

The longevity of Flaxman’s creativity is explored through objects in York Art Gallery’s collection, key loans from the National Gallery, Royal Academy, National Portrait Gallery, V&A and the Barber Institute of Fine Art amongst several other UK institutions.

Supported by and produced in partnership with the University of York ’s History of Art Department.

🔗 Book now at: https://www.yorkartgallery.org.uk/exhibition/turner-wedgwood-and-beyond-inspired-by-flaxman/

🗓️ 18 September 2026 – 17 January 2027

📷 © The National Gallery, London

26/08/2026

Today is a very special day... International Dog Day! 🐶

The York Art Gallery collection is home to plenty of four-legged friends, from loyal companions to playful pups, captured in all shapes and sizes. 🐾

If you could take one home, which would you choose? 👇

1. 'Head of a Terrier' by Martin Theodore Ward (1799 - 1874) oil on canvas c.1800 - 1874.
2. ‘An Airedale Called Nansen’ by Mabel Surtees Townsend (1856 - 1912) oil on canvas c.1888 - 1890.
3. ‘Frisk, a Blenheim Spaniel by H. Wood (unknown) oil on board, 1855.
4. 'Head of a Terrier' by Martin Theodore Ward (1799 - 1874) oil on canvas c.1800 - 1874.
5. 'Irish Wolfhound (Burt)' by Sally Arnup, © The Estate of Sally Arnup (1930 - 2015), bronze statue.
6. 'Two Fox Terriers in a Landscape' by Martin Theodore Ward (1799 - 1874) oil on canvas c.1800 - 1874.

24/08/2026

Celebrate with us this bank holiday weekend! 🌊

Help us mark the end of Making Waves: The Art of Japanese Woodblock Print with a two-day festival of live music, workshops, creative activities, and delicious food and drink.

Don’t miss your last chance to see the exhibition before it closes this Sunday!

🗓️ Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 August 2026

🕙 10am–5pm

📍 York Art Gallery & York Museum Gardens

🔗 Explore the full weekend programme: https://www.yorkartgallery.org.uk/making-waves-the-art-of-japanese-woodblock-print-events/