Where to Find Art Exhibitions at Burton Constable Hall in East Yorkshire in 2026

Imagine one of East Yorkshire's grandest old houses handing over the keys to its art gallery to a massive group of local artists for a whole year. Sounds pretty cool, right? Well, that's exactly what's happening. Burton Constable Hall, a massive Elizabethan country house, has teamed up with East Riding Artists for a fantastic new project.

Starting in 2026, the artists are getting free rein of the Stables Gallery for a complete gallery takeover. This means a non-stop, year-long series of brilliant art exhibitions, all created by talented people from right here in Yorkshire. It's a massive collaboration that's set to bring something new and exciting to this historic spot.

A creative match made in Yorkshire

So, what's the story here? It's simple, really. A stunningly beautiful historic house, Burton Constable Hall, and one of the north's biggest art groups, East Riding Artists (or ERA for short), have decided to join forces. This isn't just a one-off event, either.

They're planning a whole year of back-to-back exhibitions, running from February 2026 right through to January 2027. The ERA will be in charge of the Stables Gallery, organising nine different themed shows. This is a brilliant chance for visitors to see an ever-changing display of fine art from the local creative community. This collaboration is a perfect example of how heritage sites can work with contemporary artists to create something special, supporting local talent and promoting economic growth in the region.

What's the big deal about Burton Constable Hall?

If you've never been, Burton Constable Hall is a proper gem in East Yorkshire. It's not just any old house; it's been home to the Constable family for over 700 years. That's a lot of history! Around 40,000 people visit every year, and not just from down the road - they come from all over the world. Why? Well, inside there are 30 grand rooms to explore, all stuffed with beautiful furniture and decorative treasures. It's famous for its amazing collection of Chippendale furniture, which is a bit like having a room full of designer classics from the 1700s.

But that's not all. The hall has something properly unique: a Cabinet of Curiosities. Think of it as a room full of weird and wonderful things collected centuries ago - scientific instruments, ancient objects, and bits of natural history. It's considered the best collection of its kind left in any English country house. Outside, there's loads of beautiful parkland to wander through, with woods and lakes designed by the famous "Capability" Brown. Plus, the historic stables are home to an enormous 60ft sperm whale skeleton that was even mentioned in the famous book, Moby-Dick. It's a place where history and heritage are around every corner.

So, who are the East Riding Artists?

East Riding Artists isn't just a small club. It's a huge and vibrant group of painters, ceramicists, sculptors, jewellery-makers, and all sorts of other creative people. These artists live and work across a massive patch of Yorkshire, covering 950 square miles from the coastline at Bridlington all the way down to Goole. That's a lot of inspiration to draw from, whether it's the dramatic coastline, the rolling Wolds, or the bustling market towns near Hull.

Run by volunteers, the group is all about supporting artists and getting their work seen. They've already held exhibitions in some impressive Yorkshire spots, like Beverley Minster and the University of Hull. This partnership with Burton Constable Hall gives their 60-plus members an amazing platform. Larry Malkin, the ERA chairman, said:

"This amazing opportunity will give ERA members a chance showcase their work at one of East Yorkshire's most well-known historic venues. We have more than 60 full members who will be able to take part in an on-going rolling programme of exhibitions for 2D and 3D works throughout the year, while associate members will be able to submit work to a two-week open exhibition in the middle of the summer season."

What can you actually see at the exhibitions?

The great thing about this gallery takeover is that there will always be something new to find. The plan is for a rolling programme of themed exhibitions, so every time you visit, you'll see different art. The whole series of events kicks off in February 2026. Here's a little taster of what's planned:

• Changing Season: The first exhibition, starting in February, will be a six-week show exploring how the seasons change the landscape and our lives.
• A Moment in Time: This one marks 250 years since the death of John Harrison in 1776. Who was he? Only the genius who invented the marine chronometer, a special clock that let sailors figure out where they were at sea. This show will celebrate his legacy.
• Surface and Structure: Following that, this exhibition will look at all things texture, relief, and layers in art.

There will be nine exhibitions in total running through to January 2027, showcasing a huge range of work from the talented East Riding Artists. It's an incredible opportunity to find new artists and maybe even buy a unique piece of art.

Why this collaboration is brilliant for everyone

This whole project is a win-win. The artists get to show their work in the prestigious Stables Gallery, reaching a huge audience. Visitors get a constantly changing gallery of amazing local art to enjoy alongside the hall's permanent treasures. And the hall itself gets to host a year of exciting cultural events, mixing modern creativity with its rich history.

Alasdair Hutson, the chief executive of the Burton Constable Foundation, put it perfectly: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with East Riding Artists to bring a full year of creative programming into the Stables Gallery. Burton Constable Hall has always been a place where history, heritage and culture meet, and this collaboration will give visitors the opportunity to enjoy an ever-changing series of exhibitions by some of the region's most talented artists." It's a fantastic move that strengthens the local creative community and adds another brilliant reason to visit this corner of East Yorkshire. Whether you love history, art, or just a great day out in some stunning parkland, this is one to watch for 2026.