A COLLECTION of some of the finest works from the golden age of Spanish art is going on display this weekend.

Spanish Masters, at York City Art Gallery, features artists including El Greco and Goya and is thought to be the largest exhibition of Spanish works in Britain for some time.

It showcases paintings from the gallery's small but significant collection, alongside pieces from around the country, including London's National Gallery and the Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, County Durham.

Curator Caroline Worthington said: "I don't think a show of Spanish art has been done like this for a long time, not only in York but around the country. It is quite exciting to combine our collection with those belonging to other galleries.

"The Melendez painting, Still Life with Lemons and Oranges, was only acquired by the National Gallery last year, so this is the first time it will be shown outside London, which is a coup for us"

The paintings, from the 16th and 17th centuries, will be arranged in three themes - still life, religious images and portraits - reflecting the natural, religious and intellectual interests of the age.

Also on display will be Spanish silver from York Minster.

It is hoped the exhibition will be the first in a series at the gallery concentrating on aspects of the collection from across Europe.

The masters exhibition has only gone ahead thanks to a significant grant from the Friends of York Art Gallery.

Ms Worthington said: "We are delighted that the Friends of York Art Gallery have sponsored the exhibition and we are very grateful for their support. We could not have done it without them."

The exhibition will run from Saturday until March 26.

Published: 26/01/2006