Step inside the medieval Chapter House and meet the women who shape life at York Minster today through a new portrait exhibition in collaboration with award-winning photographer Olivia Hemingway. 

The exhibition features high-definition screens that display the specially commissioned photographs. The emotive installation captures just some of the inspirational women who contribute to the life and mission of the Minster today, ranging from its police force and musicians to stonemasons and conservators. 

Running until 16 November 2025, Visions, Voices, Vocations: Celebrating Women in York Minster is on display in the cathedral’s Chapter House.  

Entrance to the exhibition is included with a general admission ticket. The exhibition is open during standard visiting hours.* 

About Olivia Hemingway:

Olivia Hemingway is a UK-based photographer and artist known for her narrative-driven work, capturing people’s lives in everyday surroundings.  

She has collaborated with major cultural institutions including Tate, the National Portrait Gallery, the BBC, Nasher Sculpture Center and Imperial War Museums, as well as working with notable people such as Sir Quentin Blake, Massive Attack, Jodie Whittaker and Sir Patrick Stewart. Her photography has been exhibited in prestigious venues such as The Barbican, Leeds City Museum, Buckingham Palace and Beningbrough Hall Gallery and Gardens. 

Hemingway’s portfolio spans both artistic and commercial projects, including a current artist residency at York Minster for their ‘Visions, Voices, Vocations’ campaign, which commemorates the 100th anniversary of the creation of the country’s first and only war memorial to the women who lost their lives in World War One. Her exhibition, which is due to open in the Minster’s iconic Chapter House in June, celebrates the diverse vocations of women working in the Minster in 2025.

Meet our Curator, Research Coordinator, and Artist in Residence: 

*Upcoming closures: 

There are times when the Chapter House is closed to visitors, meaning the exhibition will be unavailable:

• Saturday 11 October, 1pm onwards

Click HERE to find out more about our programme Visions, Voices, Vocations.

Header Image © Olivia Hemingway