One of the nation’s most prestigious artist groups coming to heart of York

A New Legacy: The Society of Women Artists at Stephenson’s Gallery, York, is described as a “significant cultural moment for the North, bringing one of the UK’s most prestigious art institutions to the heart of York.”

The mixed media exhibition features works by artists belonging to the Society, which was formed in 1855 and counts Dame Laura Knight as one of its most illustrious former members.

The exhibition, which runs to March 1, is described as “a powerful intersection of two narratives: the SWA’s 170-year mission and Stephenson’s Gallery’s fresh chapter in York.

“The exhibition celebrates the extraordinary breadth of contemporary fine art produced by women, featuring a diverse range of disciplines including painting, sculpture, and innovative works that defy traditional classification.”

Gallery co-owner Mark Stephenson explained: “It’s a wide selection of works of different styles we have here.

“It’s the first time the Society has exhibited outside of London, so it’s a bit of a coup for us.

“It’s good to get them up here in York. There’s so much mixed media, paint on canvas, bronze sculptures, landscapes, abstract. So it caters for everybody.

“I’m reluctant to say I have favourites. Everything in this selection has been selected on its own merits. You’ve got colourful works by Amy Heath, and some more traditional portrait pieces by Olivia Dunn.”

Mr Stephenson’s wife, Louise, added: “We are deeply honoured to host this landmark group exhibition.

“By bringing this historic institution to York, we are forging a dynamic new connection between a national legacy and the vibrant community of artists and collectors here in the North.”

Stephenson’s Gallery has been open in York since April last year, after the family decided to make the move up North.

The gallery specialises in Northern and Eastern European artwork.

Describing their first year on the York art scene, Mr Stephenson said: “We’ve branched out to include northern artists.

“One of the things we felt was that women artists aren’t as represented up here. We’ve made a conscious decision to split our displays 50/50.

“It happens that one of the Society members came in, and ask if we’d be interested in exhibiting.

“The art market here is emerging. Some galleries have a tendency of playing it safe and sticking to what they know will sell. What we try to do is push the boundaries.”

The SWA is a unique organisation that has held an annual exhibition in London since 1857.

It has a rich history of supporting women artists and continues to promote the highest standards of fine art through its esteemed membership and annual exhibitions.