For the first time, Fairfax House welcomes contemporary art into its historic interiors. Since January 2025, artist Ruth Beloe has been painting here, capturing the house’s stillness and charm in small oil paintings. Displayed where they were created, these works offer a fresh view of the beauty of Fairfax House, with sales supporting the conservation […]
For this special event, step into the private world of the Hon. Ann Fairfax and experience her townhouse as she once knew it. As you wander through her beautifully furnished interiors by the flicker of candlelight, this is a chance to be fully immersed in Ann’s world. This is a unique and atmospheric way to […]
It is Allhallowtide in 1764, and the Honourable Fairfaxes have returned to Castlegate to commence the Winter Season. After last year’s misfortunes, Ann and the Viscount are eager to turn the wheel of fortune in their favour. This Ghost Week, the Fairfax Family are determined to reverse their terrible fortune. Using rituals of the past, […]
For three exclusive evenings this Ghost Week, experience Fairfax House by candlelight. Step back to 1764, as the Honourable Fairfaxes return to their Castlegate home for the Winter Season. Join them in their bid to restore their fortunes with puzzles and amusements to test wit and spirit. A rare prize awaits: a unique Celestial Ghost, […]
This Christmas the Fairfax family are preparing for a spectacular Ball, and you are their cordially invited guest. Wander into the glittering world of Georgian York, where Ann Fairfax and the Viscount are preparing to host the ultimate Christmas party! Fairfax House will be opulently dressed for the season and brought to life with festive […]
Step behind the scenes of Fairfax House this festive season with one of our curators as your guide. This special evening tour offers rare access to hidden corners of the house and a closer look at highlights from our collection, including elegant Georgian fashion, furniture, and stunning paintings. As night falls, the house is transformed […]
By flickering candlelight and the scent of pine and spices, Fairfax House comes alive for an unforgettable festive evening. Ann Fairfax and the Viscount are preparing for a grand Georgian ball - but their mischievous Townmice are stirring up trouble! Wander through beautifully decorated rooms filled with music, scent, and playful mice as you step […]
Celebrate this Lady Day with York’s finest Georgians. In the eighteenth-century Lady Day marked a significant time of year: tax and bills were due but more importantly spring was on its way. It was also the Feast of the Annunciation - a day of deep significance for the devout Fairfax family. It was a time […]
In the early 19th century, the demand for bodies for medical training outstripped the regular supply, and the ‘Resurrection Men’ raised the recently buried and delivered them by various surreptitious means to the anatomists. A national trade, many instances of body snatching occurred in and around York, probably supplying Edinburgh University. Dr Peter Hogarth will […]
A Georgian Easter Visit Fairfax House this Easter holiday and find our rooms beautifully dressed for the Spring season. You’ll step back in time and discover each room as if the Fairfaxes have just stepped out, leaving their world behind for you to explore. Activities for children: Animal trail through the house to test your […]
Led by our curator, Dr Sarah Burnage, this special tour of Fairfax House takes a closer look at the museum’s extensive collections and glorious expression of Georgian architecture. Explore objects, furnishings, and artworks, and the decisions that shape how they are interpreted and displayed today. This tour offers more time for close looking, discussion, and […]
Join artist Freya Horsley for an afternoon lino printing workshop inspired by the collections at Fairfax House. The session begins with a curator-led tour of the House, giving participants the chance to look closely and choose an item from the collection as the starting point for their own design. Working in a small group, Freya […]
