I ATTENDED the preview for the William Etty: Art and Controversy exhibition on June 23 at York Art Gallery.

Opened by Rupert Maas, the night provided a delightful showcase of Etty’s life and talents – including his own imaginative works, sketches, letters, Old Master copies, etc.

Entering the main exhibition, the visitor is smacked with spots of luscious colour on the wall. This is mainly associated with the beautiful nudes, but on closer inspection, observers will find some exquisite points of colouring in an array of items – flowers, skylines, clothing etc.

The works originate from mythological, poetical and religious stories to provide for a range of interests, and there are some great games for children.

I would implore everyone from York: spare a couple of hours, take in the exhibition, complete the Etty York Walk (a leaflet provided in the gallery) and become a little better acquainted with an artist who you might not know well, but really should.

WC Ridolfi, White Cross Gardens, York.