York art gallery launch new 17 metre long display celebrating women ceramicists

York Art Gallery are celebrating women artists in an exciting new ceramics display.

The Wall of Women launches today (Wednesday) on International Women’s Day.

Located in the Centre of Ceramic Art in York Art Gallery, the display is free to visit and highlights the innovation and creativity of women working with clay from the early 20th century to present day.

All over the world, pottery production has largely been led by women, reflecting the division of domestic work according to gender.   

The display is an enormous 17 metres long, and contains around 250 works from York Art Gallery’s collection, including ceramics by Alison Britton, Carol McNicoll, and Kerry Jameson – many of which have not been on display before. 

The display also features newly acquired works by Catherine Yarrow, a Surrealist potter who was associated with Leonora Carrington and Marcel Duchamp, as well as a range of works by the German Bauhaus trained potter and designer, Grete Marks.

Dr Helen Walsh, curator of ceramics, said: “Curating ‘The Wall of Women’ has been a wonderful experience, and we hope visitors will feel inspired by the fascinating range of works on display.

“It’s been great to have the opportunity to showcase artworks visitors won’t have seen before, such as a couple of surprising homemade tools by Yorkshire based ceramicist Monica Young, who was famed for her monumental pots.

“We can’t wait for visitors to see the new display and find out more about these ceramicists and their work.”

York Art Gallery’s Centre of Ceramic Art is now home to the work of 675 named artists and 40% of these artists are women.

To find out more and to book your free tickets, visit the York Art Gallery website.