1 August 2015 – 13 March 2016

With its rich tapestry of architectural styles, York has provided an abundance of subjects for both local and visiting artists since the mid-17^th century.

Their work records the history and evolution of the city over the last four centuries, with the period 1790 to 1850 being a golden age for the production of topographical views of York.

Many artists found picturesque subjects within the city and its surrounds, in particular the Old Ouse Bridge, the grand majesty of the Gothic Minster and the romantic ruins of St Mary’s Abbey.

York Art Gallery’s topographical collection began in earnest in 1931 with the purchase of around 1200 watercolours, prints and drawings assembled by Dr William Arthur Evelyn (1860-1935).

Dr Evelyn arrived in York in 1891 and spent the rest of his life collecting images of the city by artists of local and national repute. He was also an avid campaigner for the preservation of the historic fabric of the city.

The collection has continued to grow and now numbers more than 4000 works. This room highlights important pieces from the York topographical collection enhanced by loans from private collectors.

Latest News

1. New display of Anthony Shaw’s Collection in the Centre for Ceramic Art
2. National Gallery’s National Treasures Monet in York: ‘The Water-Lily Pond’ (1899) 10 May – 8 September 2024
3. Annual Aesthetica Art Prize Returns to York Art Gallery 
4. York Art Gallery welcomes loan of Grayson Perry’s Entrance to the Forest           
5. New Exhibition 'Drawing attention: emerging artists in dialogue', opening this October.

Keep in Touch

Sign up to our Mailing List here