Coming soon: Not a Pot

The Centre of Ceramic Art at York Art Gallery holds one of the largest and most important collections of contemporary studio ceramics in the world. Hundreds of artists are represented in our collection, with works dating from the start of the British studio pottery movement at the beginning of the 20th century to the present day. The objects themselves range from functional to sculptural and domestic to monumental, alongside installations and commissions.

‘Not a Pot’ will explore the collection using the inspiration, ideas, intentions and impact of Gordon Baldwin (1932-2025), one of the UK’s most important and influential ceramic artists. Through diverse themes such as Surrealism, landscapes and the human figure, we discover how artists use clay to respond to the world creatively.

Current exhibition: Harland Miller: XXX

Until 31st August, this exhibition of York-born internationally-acclaimed artist and writer Harland Miller is bright, colourful and appeals to all ages. The exhibition showcases paintings and works on paper from his renowned Letter Paintings’ series. The themes extend beyond the indoor gallery spaces and into York Museum Gardens, through a creative interpretation of Miller’s vibrant ‘Far Out’ diptych using a selection of flowering plants.

Visible from the ground and the gallery’s balcony, the plantings have been sown on two wired raised planting beds on the sloping grass verge behind the Gallery which leads up to the wildflower meadow. This floral installation has been planned so flowers appear from the end of June, peaking during the summer season.

This exhibition has been supported by White Cube.

The Yorkshire Museum

New major exhibition: Viking North (Opens 11th July)

Filled with magnificent objects, many unseen for generations, this incredible collection from 11th July will tell the story of the Viking Age in the North of England from around 865 to 1066. Underpinned by new archaeological research and cutting-edge technology, the exhibition combines objects from the Yorkshire Museum’s own collection and specially loaned items including artefacts from the Bedale Hoard, not seen since 2017, the Vale of York Hoard and the Viking Army Camp at Aldwark in North Yorkshire, among other key national loans.

This combination of artefacts, shown together for the first time, reflect the north as the power base for the Vikings. Many of these items in gold and silver are of high value and prestige – our version of ‘bling’ – that deemed to show the power, wealth and skills of the Viking people who lived in Yorkshire and the wider north of England in what is now the NorthWestern counties, the Midlands, Lincolnshire and East Anglia. Displayed with added atmosphere alongside the internal ruins of the Abbey at Museum Gardens on which the Yorkshire Museum is built, the world class objects on display include:

The York Helmet – the renowned The York Helmet found in Coppergate in York
The Ormside Bowl – a silver-gilt bowl found with sword in a Viking burial in Cumbria
The Bedale Hoard – an extraordinary collection of precious items many proving international connections
Silk Cap – preserved in the waterlogged soil of Coppergate evidencing the imported style and prosperity that the Vikings enjoyed
Vale of York Hoard – 700 pieces of gold and silver jewellery and coins found near Harrogate in 2007
Bone Pricker and Pins – presenting strange and unusual beasts as an important element in Viking art

York Castle Museum

Summer at York Castle Museum (19th July to 31st August)

York Castle Museum will be celebrating the season in style, with events reflecting the incredible Summer Galas that took place in Victorian York.

Its famous Victorian Street, Kirkgate, will transform into a summer scene from nineteenth century York, bursting with beautiful floral displays inspired by the Victorian Language of Flowers. Wander the historical cobbled street, breathe in the fresh summer scents, enjoy a range of musical performances and take a photo in front of a grand floral garland to mark your visit!

The experience continues in the museum’s outdoor space, under a canopy of colourful bunting and further floral displays. With joyful and interactive performances, including immersive storytelling and impressive circus skills, alongside seasonal crafts and funfair games, there’s something to entertain both adult and family audiences this summer!

Visit the website to see the daily programme, as each day of the week offers something different.

Images – Anthony Chappel Ross