There are over 17,000 drawings, watercolours and prints – collectively known as works on paper – in the collection. About half of these are landscape views and more that 4,000 feature the city of York by local artists such as Henry Cave, John Harper and John Browne. The core of the collection was established in 1931 with the purchase of 1,200 works from Dr W A Evelyn.

Some of the most famous names in watercolour painting are also featured – Thomas Rowlandson, John Varley, Thomas Girtin and JMW Turner – as well as more contemporary pieces by Edward Burra, John Piper and Julian Trevelyan.

There is also an important archive of material by Yorks best known artist, William Etty, including letters, sketches and doodles.