Wedgwood and Flaxman: a talk by Sir Tristram Hunt

‘Wedgwood and Flaxman: A Creative Alliance’, a talk by The Honourable Sir Tristram Hunt, FRHistS, Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

This lecture has been organised in connection with the exhibition on John Flaxman and his influence held to mark the bicentenary of his death, which will run from Friday 18 September 2026 to Sunday 17 January 2027 at York Art Gallery. This is the third exhibition, in association with the Department of History of Art at the University of York, celebrating York-born artists; the first two showcased the work of William Etty (1787-1849) and Albert Moore (1841-1893). Flaxman, sculptor and designer (1755-1826), was throughout Europe by far the most celebrated of these artists in his own day, and remained the best-known British sculptor until Henry Moore. He was praised by the literary superstar of the age Goethe, influenced major European artists including Ingres, Turner, and Goya, and was a key figure in the pan-European artistic movement of the day, Neoclassicism.

Flaxman worked as a designer and modeller for Josiah Wedgwood, who rated him above all his other designers, and with Wedgwood’s financial support spent seven years in Rome from 1787, where his sculptures were also much admired. In 1800 he was elected a full academician at the Royal Academy, and in 1810 a special post was created for him there as Professor of Sculpture. The exhibition will allow a long-overdue re-evaluation of this highly important figure. This lecture explores his creative partnership with the great potter and Enlightenment figure, Josiah Wedgwood.

Two sorts of ticket are available:

Lecture only: £15

Lecture plus pre-lecture drinks reception, to be held in honour of Sir Tristram in the CoCA Gallery in York Art Gallery, 5.00-6.00 pm: £25