York, Trains and views.

View of part of main hall at railway museum 

View inc Fire station

View inc York Minster

 York has been one of the main northern cities in England for many years. The walled city has been fought over for years, by Romans, Vikings, Saxons, anyone and everyone really.

It is home to many museums, a general social museum opposite Clifford tower, The National Railway museum, The dungeons and the Yorvik museum, about the viking history of the city.

My favourite place to visit however is the cities art gallery,  in front of which is a statue of my favourite artist. William Etty was from york and he painted the usual landscapes and portraits of the time. He was best known though for his nudes. It is the skin that just seems somehow illuminated from within. It is as if he has captured something of the soul of the sitter. They are not in anyway 2d or diminished, but still very much alive. My favourites are, Male Crouching, The Combat, and a painting who's name I can't remember, (something about Saint Peter I think) of a male nude with ropes. The flesh is so real if you were allowed to touch it I suspect I would be surprised to find it isn't warm. Unfortunately you are not allowed to take pictures in the gallery, so you will have to go there to see how truly beautiful they are.William Etty born 1787 died 1849. 

View of museum from Clifford Tower