PREPARATIONS are under way for a major exhibition in York of the work of the city’s most celebrated artist, writes Laura McCabe.

The exhibition, called William Etty: Art And Controversy, will see a display of paintings and sketches by the artist, running from June 25 until January 22 next year.

Organisers of the showcase are now taking works by Etty out of storage and carefully preparing it to go on display at York Art Gallery.

Dr Sarah Burnage, curator of the exhibition, said: “Etty is without doubt one of the most significant artists of his generation. He was described by contemporaries as ‘one of the finest specimens of historical talent’.

“This exhibition aims to drag Etty’s art from the doldrums of art historical obscurity and offer a fresh opportunity to look at the works of this remarkable artist.”

The exhibition will feature more than 100 pieces, including loans from galleries such as the Tate and the Royal Academy along with York Gallery’s own collection.