York Art Gallery

York Art Gallery’s nationally designated collection of paintings spans more than 600 years.

Works range from 14th century Italian panels and 17th century Dutch masterpieces to Victorian narrative paintings, including the largest collection of work by William Etty, as well as 20th century works by LS Lowry, Andy Warhol and Hockney.

The gallery also holds the most extensive and representative collection of British Studio Ceramics, thanks to the acquisition of collections from Dean Milner–White, WA Ismay and Henry Rothschild, along with a long-term loan of Anthony Shaw’s collection.

The Grade II listed building which houses the gallery opened its doors to the public in 1879 and underwent a major redevelopment in 2015 to create 60% more display space, gardens and the Centre of Ceramic Art (CoCA).

There is a varied changing programme of two to three special temporary exhibitions a year, which often include partnerships with major lenders. The gallery is also active in commissioning new artworks as part of this changing exhibition programme.

Our permanent galleries of fine art and ceramics include a recent development of an exhibition of ‘Treasures from the Store’ which encompasses some of the highlights of the collection, as well as works that have rarely or never been on display before. In 2023 the gallery unveiled a ceramics ‘Wall of Women’ display that celebrates the innovation and creativity of women working with clay from the early 20th century to the present day.