Our current special exhibition focusses on the life and work of just one man; JS Purvis.
The museum holds an extensive personal archive of this Bridlington born soldier, who served in the First World War but who went on to become a pillar of academic and cultural life in York.
Museum Director, Lynda Powell has curated the exhibition. During her research she’s had the chance to explore our Purvis collection in-depth. Here she shares her thoughts on his poetry and art.
Man of Mystery: the lives of John Purvis runs until 30 April 2022. Original sketches, watercolours, notes, observations and doodles from the museum’s collection all feature, as we tell the story a man who seemed dedicated to curating his whole life.