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Part of Dryad, by Austin Wright. Photograph: Paul Shields

Art Collection

The University has over 900 artworks dating from 1500 to the present day, spread across the campus and available to all. 

The collection contains a wide range of works, including those by acknowledged masters, such as Barbara Hepworth, Sydney Nolan, Paul Nash, Joan Eardley, Keith Vaughan, Jacob Epstein, Mary Fedden, John Hoyland, Patrick Caulfield, RB Kitaj and Elizabeth Blackadder. It also holds pieces by prominent local artists, including Austin Wright, John Langton, Russell Platt, David Lloyd-Jones and Sally Arnup. The breadth of the collection encompasses ancient and modern ceramics, textile-art, sculpture, painting, printmaking, book-art and photography.

The University Art Collection has been growing over the last 60 years of the university’s history and exists to uplift and inspire everyone - from students and researchers to all residents of York and beyond! The collection might have been a well kept secret over the last decades, but this is now changing; I am so excited to welcome students, researchers and the public alike to enjoy art on our beautiful campus though exhibitions, guided tours, workshops and much more.

Helena Cox, Curator 

Explore the collection

There are a few ways you can find out more about the Art before (or during) your visit. 

The University of York art collection catalogue is available as a book on Floor 2 of the Morrell. 

Find the Art collection catalogue in YorSearch

A list of some of the sculptures you can easily find walking around campus
View the catalogue in full online, with images and descriptions of the art

Galleries on campus

At the moment the University has two permanent art galleries on campus that host temporary exhibitions, with a third coming to the library soon! 

The student-run Norman Rea Art Gallery is situated on the first floor of Derwent College and hosts exhibitions from Yorkshire artists.

Roslyn Lyons Art Gallery

The Roslyn Lyons Art Gallery is located in the Music Research Centre

Follow @ArtAtYork on social media

Curator Helena Cox has built a thriving community online which you can join below.