Turner, Wedgwood & Beyond
York Art Gallery's Landmark Bicentenary Exhibition.
Posted on 18th September 2026
York Art Gallery has announced a major autumn blockbuster exhibition bringing together works by some of Britain's greatest artistic figures. Opening on 18th September 2026, Turner, Wedgwood & Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman celebrates the bicentenary of the death of York-born sculptor, designer, and illustrator John Flaxman (1755–1826).
Days Out Yorkshire's Take
We visited yesterday and were completely amazed and impressed by the sheer range of art and masterpieces on display. What makes this exhibition truly special is how it has been brought together through generous loans from a very wide range of other public galleries and private collections, providing a genuinely unique look at Flaxman's enduring artistic influence. It is an absolute must-see for art lovers visiting York this season!
Developed in partnership with the University of York's Department of History of Art, this flagship exhibition brings together over 70 major loans from top national institutions alongside York Art Gallery's permanent collection to showcase Flaxman's far-reaching impact on British and European art.
Celebrating a York-Born Master 🏛️🎨
Born in York in 1755, John Flaxman became one of the defining sculptors and designers of the Neoclassical era. Unrivalled in his lifetime for the sheer range and reach of his work across ceramics, plaster, paper, precious metals, and stone, his impact resonates throughout art history:
- Wedgwood Pioneer: Flaxman's celebrated relief models and classical designs for potter Josiah Wedgwood created some of the most iconic Jasperware ceramics in British history.
- Master Illustrator: His outline illustrations for ancient Greek epics gained international fame, inspiring visual artists across Europe and cementing his legacy as a master storyteller.
- Inspiring Contemporaries: His work directly shaped celebrated contemporaries, including J.M.W. Turner, William Blake, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, and fellow York artist William Etty.
Feature Highlight: The 'Odyssey Wall' & Turner Masterpiece 🌊🖼️
With Homer’s Odyssey enjoying a massive cultural resurgence, York Art Gallery is staging a dedicated 'Odyssey wall' at the centre of the exhibition:
🏛️ J.M.W. Turner's Masterpiece from The National Gallery
Taking pride of place is J.M.W. Turner’s celebrated oil painting Ulysses deriding Polyphemus – Homer's Odyssey, generously on loan from The National Gallery. Visitors can see Odysseus’s dramatic defeat of the one-eyed giant immortalised on a grand scale.
NATIONAL GALLERY LOANDisplayed alongside Turner's canvas on the 'Odyssey wall' are:
- Flaxman's Epic Drawings: Original drawings of scenes from Homer’s epic poem, lent by the Royal Academy of Arts.
- Angelica Kauffman: Ulysses on the Island of Circe (on loan from a private collection).
- The Shield of Achilles: Designed by Flaxman, this rare silver-gilt shield—one of only five in existence worldwide—is on loan from Koopman Rare Art and displayed alongside a 4th-century BCE 'Bell krater' from York Art Gallery’s own collection.
Key National Loans & Highlights 🖼️✨
In addition to the Odyssey displays, the exhibition unites exceptional treasures gathered from leading UK institutions, including Tate, the V&A, Sir John Soane's Museum, and the Barber Institute of Fine Arts:
- William Blake & Ingres Works: Blake's Beatrice Addressing Dante from the Car (Tate) and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres' Paolo and Francesca (Barber Institute).
- Wedgwood Treasures: Classic Flaxman-designed Jasperware and an exceptional collection of Wedgwood chess pieces on loan from the V&A Wedgwood Collection.
- Published Catalogue: An academic publication co-published by Paul Holberton Publishing accompanies the exhibition run.
Photo Gallery
Plan Your Visit 📅
Essential visitor details for visiting the exhibition:
Admission Cost
INCLUDED WITH GALLERY ADMISSIONThe exhibition is included with general admission tickets to York Art Gallery (free for YMT Card holders). Advanced booking online is recommended.
Exhibition Dates
18th September 2026 – 17th January 2027
• Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Accessibility
York Art Gallery is fully accessible with level ground entry, lifts to all gallery floors, accessible toilets, and complimentary carer tickets.
Exhibition Catalogue
A fully illustrated academic publication co-published by Paul Holberton Publishing accompanies the run.
Visitor Tip
Before entering the building, look up at the stone carvings above the gallery entrance to see John Flaxman engraved into the facade alongside fellow famous York artists!
Getting There 🗺️
📍 Gallery Location:
York Art Gallery, Exhibition Square, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7EW
🚆 By Train (Recommended)
York Art Gallery is less than a 10-minute picturesque walk from York Railway Station across Lendal Bridge.
🚗 Driving & Park & Ride
Drivers are strongly advised to use York Park & Ride services (Rawcliffe Bar or Askham Bar) dropping off in the city centre. Nearby city centre car parking is available at Marygate Car Park (YO30 7DT).
Recommended For You
Art Galleries in Yorkshire
Explore NowSeptember In Yorkshire
