Merrily serenaded by the Minster’s carolling bells, we brightly usher in this most joyful Christmas season and all its accompanying splendour. Bringing good tidings of exhibitions, awards and local festive cheer, our December newsletter positively sparkles with superb new artwork and exciting updates we simply cannot wait to share.

The gallery’s final exhibition of 2024 brings together the work of 
British painters Edward Hersey and Steven Hawkins to celebrate the unique heritage and culture of the British countryside. Presenting a handpicked selection of original paintings and signed limited edition prints, the exhibition pays tribute to the landscapes, sporting and time-honoured traditions so deeply woven into Britain’s longstanding way of life in the country. From softly lit shooting scenes to nostalgically familiar scenes of pastoral life, ‘Life in the Country’ is bound to delight and inspire in equal measure. The exhibition runs throughout December and into the early days of the new year; so mark your calendars now for what will be the perfect companion to a festive day out in York.

In what can hardly come as a surprise to his avid collectors, admirers and contemporaries, Michael John Ashcroft ,ROI has won yet another prestigious prize at this year’s Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI) Annual Exhibition. Introduced in 1995, the Dartington Crystal Chalice is presented annually to a ROI member in recognition of outstanding service and contribution. With an ever-evolving career that continues to inspire and reach new heights, Michael’s most recent accolade could not be more well deserved. We hope you will join us in offering our heartfelt congratulations to Michael on this exciting and exceptional achievement.

There really is no place like York at Christmas. From the bustling Christmas markets to the reflective, peaceful pace of the period between Christmas and New Year, our beloved city spreads festive cheer to all. In the lead up to Christmas, the gallery will remain open 7 days a week from 10:00am-5:00pm, right up until Christmas Eve, when we will close at noon to allow time for any last-minute collections. Our opening hours for the duration of the festive season will be as follows:

Christmas Eve:10:00am-12:00pm
Christmas Day: CLOSED
Boxing Day: CLOSED
New Year’s Eve: 10:00am-2:00pm
New Year’s Day: CLOSED

For those needing their artwork shipped in time for Christmas, the last day for international orders is Monday, 16 December and the last day for UK orders is Friday, 20 December. Whether it’s including a handwritten note, adding a ribbon or simply leaving out an invoice, do let us know if there’s anything we can do to make your or your loved ones’ Christmas delivery that little bit more magical.

Welcoming a host of new arrivals in recent weeks, the gallery brims with an extraordinary collection of paintings, prints and sculpture, each individual piece a jewel more striking than the last. With new work from Edward Hersey, Stephen Hawkins, Terry Evans, Amanda Jackson, Natalie Stutely, Andrew Grant Kurtis, Rupert Aker, Steve Thoms, Alan Smith and Alex Hill, there is a gem to be found for traditional and contemporary collectors alike. Do take a look at our Recently Acquired page to view these dazzling new additions to the gallery’s collection—and perhaps—find one or two to gift or call your own.

We hope you will enjoy our December newsletter. As ever, we sincerely thank you for your patronage and send you and yours our very best wishes for a happy Christmas and a prosperous new year. We very much look forward to welcoming you to the gallery soon.