Dracula Exhibition Returns Home to York

About

York welcomes the final stop of a touring exhibition that reimagines Bram Stoker’s Dracula through contemporary illustration and immersive design. ‘God’s Women, Good Men and Monsters’ opens on Friday, 25 April at the newly refurbished Contemporary Arts Floor of York Fine Arts and runs until 5 May. Admission is free.

Modern Illustrations of a Gothic Classic

Created by York-based artist Kirsty Maclennan, the exhibition centres on original artwork featured in a new illustrated edition of Dracula. Kirsty, who works as a Senior Gallery Assistant at York Fine Arts, drew inspiration from real people for her character studies—including friends and colleagues from the gallery.

The project is a tribute to former gallery director Alan Short, who passed away in 2023 and appears in the artwork as Van Helsing. The exhibition reflects nearly a year of work and brings a personal connection to the classic narrative.

An Immersive and Multi-Sensory Experience

Alongside Maclennan’s illustrations, the exhibition also features calligraphy art by American artist Christina Rauh Fishburne. The display is designed to be immersive, with elements of film, music, and period curios that bring Stoker’s gothic tale to life.

This final showing in York follows earlier displays in Whitby—the birthplace of Dracula—and London’s atmospheric Crypt Gallery.

Artwork Now Available to Purchase

For the first time, Kirsty Maclennan’s illustrations will be available to purchase directly from the exhibition. The event is also a celebration of the publication by The Crow Emporium, an independent Whitby-based publisher that commissioned the artwork for their new edition of Dracula.

Leticia Lentini, founder of The Crow Emporium, commented: “The appetite for the book and the exhibition has been phenomenal. This collection captures Dracula’s gothic essence in a way that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern.”

Supporting Emerging Local Talent

Deanna Dawkins, Gallery Manager at York Fine Arts, noted: “Hosting the final run of the exhibition is a fantastic opportunity to support Kirsty as a rising local artist. It’s a fitting way to mark the reopening of our contemporary space and celebrate the growing strength of our contemporary collection.”

Exhibition Details

• Title: God’s Women, Good Men and Monsters
• Dates: 25 April – 5 May
• Location: Contemporary Arts Floor, York Fine Arts, 83 Low Petergate, York
• Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm daily
• Admission: Free

About York Fine Arts

York Fine Arts is an independent gallery located in the heart of York, housed in a Grade II listed building. With over 45 years of history, the gallery is known for its curated collection of traditional and contemporary fine art, featuring original paintings, sculpture, and limited edition prints by leading artists.