A talk by Michael Smith on John Flaxman (1755-1826), the York-born sculptor whose portrait can be seen above the entrance to the Gallery.

The speaker is a PHD student in the Department of History or Art, University of York and has provided this introduction: Widely acclaimed in his lifetime but since overlooked, the York-born sculptor John Flaxman will be the focus of a research and exhibition project at York Art Gallery to celebrate the bicentenary of his death in 2026. In this talk I’ll introduce Flaxman’s work in stone and on paper, alongside his collaborations in ceramics with Wedgwood. I’ll also explore his devoted family life, his residence in Rome, and his appointment to the Professorship of Sculpture at the Royal Academy.

Friends’ Artwork of the Month talks are free and booking is not required, but members are reminded to bring their membership card for entrance to the Gallery.