Turner, Wedgwood & Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman

Now open until 17 January 2027

Included in general admission to York Art Gallery | Book tickets

Marking 200 years since the death of York-born artist John Flaxman, this exhibition celebrates his life, work and lasting influence on art and design.

Showcasing Flaxman’s remarkable skill as a draughtsman, sculptor and designer, the exhibition explores his influence in the artistic community, on fellow artists, namely J.M.W Turner, William Blake and potter Josiah Wedgwood. Objects from York Art Gallery’s collection are displayed alongside key loans from UK institutions including The National Gallery, Royal Academy, V&A and the Barber Institute of Fine Art, amongst others.

Flaxman is one of the York-born artists engraved into the façade of York Art Gallery, celebrating the incredible talent that emerged from the city. Following classic Grecian and Roman styles, Flaxman’s designs were used on the iconic Wedgwood pottery as well as inspiring drawings, paintings, stonework, buildings, sculpture, metalwork, chess pieces, funerary monuments and more. Though not a well-known as Turner or Wedgwood have come to be, his contributions had significant influence on art that extends through to modern day from humble beginnings in the city.

The exhibition has been supported by and produced in partnership with the University of York’s History of Art Department and accompanied by an academic publication, this is the first major exhibition dedicated to Flaxman in York.