Harland Miller Donates Iconic Artworks to York Art Gallery

A Special Gift to His Hometown

If you've ever strolled through York Art Gallery, you know it’s packed with artistic gems. But now, thanks to Harland Miller, it’s got something extra special. The internationally acclaimed artist has donated a set of his paintings to the gallery, all inspired by the places that shaped his early years—York, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Miller, known for his bold, text-based artwork, created these pieces as part of his Bad Weather Paintings series. Each one captures a slice of Yorkshire life with a mix of nostalgia and wit. And the best part? These works are now a permanent part of the gallery’s collection.

The Artworks: Yorkshire, but Make It Miller

So, what exactly has Miller gifted to York Art Gallery?

• ‘York, So Good They Named It Once’ – A playful take on the famous New York phrase, but with a very British twist.
• ‘Whitby, The Self Catering Years’ – A large-scale painting that nods to holidaying by the sea, fish and chips in hand.
• ‘Scarborough, Have Faith in Cod’ – A work on paper that blends humour with classic seaside imagery.

Miller’s love of language and design is stamped all over these pieces. If you’re familiar with his work, you’ll know he has a knack for turning everyday phrases into art. And if you’re not? Well, this is a great place to start.

Why This Donation Matters

For Miller, this isn’t just about giving back—it’s personal. The artist grew up in 1970s Yorkshire, and York Art Gallery played a huge role in shaping his creativity.

“It was at the York Art Gallery that I saw great art in the flesh for the first time,” Miller recalls. “Fast forward 40-odd years, and after exhibiting there myself, I wanted people to experience my work for longer. And you can’t get much longer than forever.”

And that’s exactly what his donation achieves—making sure future generations of artists and visitors can see his work, just like he did all those years ago.

Dr Beatrice Bertram, Senior Curator at the gallery, says they’ve long wanted to add Miller’s work to their collection. “These fantastic pieces are immediately recognisable, beautifully painted, and subtly witty,” she explains. “We’re thrilled to finally represent such a significant artist.”

Limited Edition Print Release

To celebrate the donation, Miller is teaming up with Avant Arte, an online art marketplace, to release a limited edition print of York, So Good They Named It Once.

• Size: 100 x 66 cm
• Material: 27-colour silkscreen on 600gsm Somerset Tub Sized Radiant White paper
• Edition: Limited to 50 prints
• Available from: April 2025, exclusively on avantarte.com

This special edition will help raise funds for York Art Gallery, ensuring it can continue to showcase incredible art for years to come.

When Can You See the Art?

Miller’s newly donated works will be unveiled as part of ‘Harland Miller: XXX’, an exhibition running from:

📅 14 March – 31 August 2025
📍 York Art Gallery, First Floor Galleries

Expect a deep dive into Miller’s unique style, his love of wordplay, and his connection to Yorkshire. If you’re a fan of contemporary art—or just appreciate a good pun—it’s well worth a visit.

A Lasting Legacy

For York, this donation isn’t just about adding new artworks to the gallery. It’s a homecoming. A celebration of an artist whose journey started here and has now come full circle.

Miller’s work is bold, humorous, and deeply tied to Yorkshire culture—and now, it has a permanent place in the city that helped shape him.

So, if you’re in York this spring, why not pop into York Art Gallery? You might just find yourself laughing at a painting about fish while admiring the work of one of Yorkshire’s most celebrated artists. 🎨

York Art Gallery Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
More Info: www.yorkartgallery.org.uk