York Art Gallery have announced their next major exhibition – that marks the 200th anniversary of the death of York artist that influenced greats like Turner and Blake.
Born in York on 6 July 1755, John Flaxman was one of the defining figures of British art. Renowned as a draughtsman, designer and sculptor, his work had a profound influence on his contemporary artists including J.M.W. Turner, William Blake, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, and fellow York-born artist William Etty.
His celebrated designs for the potter Josiah Wedgwood helped shape some of the most recognisable works of British ceramic art, while his published outline illustrations to Homer and Dante, amongst other ancient poets, secured him an international reputation and inspired artists across Europe.
Turner, Wedgwood & Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman will open at York Art Gallery on 18 September 2026.
The exhibition will bring together over 70 loans from museums and galleries across the UK alongside works from York Art Gallery’s own collection.
Among the exhibition’s highlights is J.M.W. Turner’s striking ‘Ulysses deriding Polyphemus – Homer’s Odyssey’, from the National Gallery’s collection. Other key works include Turner’s ‘The Fall of Anarchy’, William Blake’s ‘Beatrice Addressing Dante from the Car’, both on loan from Tate, and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres’s ‘Paolo and Francesca’, generously lent by the Barber Institute of Fine Art, together with iconic Wedgwood jasperware designed and modelled by Flaxman.
Dr Beatrice Bertram, senior curator at York Art Gallery said: “Modern audiences tend to know Flaxman’s legacy better than they know Flaxman himself. Although during his lifetime he was one of Britain’s most celebrated artists, today his sculptures, monuments, illustrations, and Wedgwood designs are often encountered without recognising the remarkable artist behind them.
“Flaxman’s ideas influenced the work of his contemporaries, such as Turner, Blake and York’s own William Etty, and continued to inspire artists across Britain and Europe long after his death. Our exhibition explores these connections, inviting visitors to discover an artist whose imagination helped shape iconic works of art.
“As one of the artists who is commemorated on the facade of York Art Gallery, there’s no more fitting place to tell Flaxman’s story than in his home city. The phenomenal range of loans we have generously received from collections across the UK enables us to explore the breadth of his artistic practice, and we are thrilled to be working with the University of York on this show.”
Throughout the autumn and winter months, there will be programme of talks, workshops and events linked to the show’s themes. Further details of the exhibition programme and activities are to be announced.
Turner, Wedgwood & Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman runs from 18 September 2026 until 17 January 2027 and is included in general admission to York Art Gallery. More details to be announced soon, please visit York Art Gallery’s website for more information.
