The York Press reported that a raffle helped fund a visit for York pupils to the Making Waves exhibition at York Art Gallery allowing them to discover first-hand one of the world’s most celebrated art forms. The students from local schools toured the display which has attracted visitors since opening in February 2026 and features a rich array of prints costumes and armour. Their experience included engaging with both historic and contemporary pieces as part of the gallery’s efforts to make the exhibition accessible to younger audiences.
York Museums Trust data places the number of works on show at more than 100 covering the evolution of Japanese woodblock printing from the 17th to the 21st century with particular emphasis on its 18th and 19th century peak. The exhibition draws from the gallery’s collection including items never displayed before and incorporates loans from the British Library British Museum Durham Oriental Museum and Maidstone Museum. This collaborative approach has enabled a comprehensive exploration of the art form’s history and techniques.
A highlight for the pupils was viewing Katsushika Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa an original print lent by Maidstone Museum according to gallery records. The show also presents works by Utagawa Hiroshige and Kitagawa Utamaro alongside modern interpretations by artists such as Nana Shiomi whose print is displayed with the woodblocks used to create it. Additional exhibits range from samurai armour to traditional kimonos providing a multifaceted view of Japanese artistic heritage.
Eleanor Jackson curator of fine art at York Art Gallery said “Making Waves will showcase an outstanding selection of Japanese woodblock prints spanning centuries of creativity and artistry alongside other spectacular items.” She added that to bring them together in this way has been a privilege and the support of national and regional museums has been instrumental in telling the story of this art form. Jackson noted the gratitude for the loans of precious works to York Art Gallery.
Siona Mackelworth head of audience and programme at York Museums Trust said “The ‘Making Waves’ exhibition is designed for anyone whether they have an interest in Japanese art or indeed anyone looking to visit York Art Gallery and get creative.” She pointed to the programme of specialist talks from artists makers and curators as well as interactive guided workshops that allow participants to create bespoke art. Mackelworth emphasised that the events are designed for all ages to make connections to Japanese art and get involved with the gallery.
The exhibition ran at York Art Gallery from 27 February to 30 August 2026 and was included in the general admission price a York Museums Trust release confirmed. It built on the success of prior shows such as those on Monet and Morris according to the trust. The raffle-funded visit formed part of wider initiatives to engage local youth with the arts during the exhibition’s six-month run.
