In a major coup for London’s art scene, the Courtauld Gallery has announced a groundbreaking exhibition exploring Georges Seurat’s fascination with the English Channel coastline. Opening in February 2026, “Seurat and the Sea” marks the first time these maritime masterpieces have been gathered together in the UK.
The exhibition provides a fresh perspective on the pioneering French artist, moving beyond his famous Parisian scenes to explore five transformative summers spent along the northern French coast. Between 1885 and 1890, Seurat traveled to bustling port towns like Honfleur, Port-en-Bessin, and Gravelines, where the meeting of sea and sky inspired some of his most innovative works.
What makes this exhibition particularly special is its rarity. Seurat’s tragically short life – he died at just 31 – means his complete body of work is remarkably small. The Courtauld has managed to secure around 23 pieces from prestigious institutions worldwide, including the Musée d’Orsay in Paris and New York’s Museum of Modern Art.
The timing of these coastal works is significant. During this period, Seurat was perfecting his revolutionary pointillist technique, where tiny dots of pure color create shimmering effects that seem to capture the very essence of seaside light. These maritime paintings served as experimental canvases, allowing him to explore how his scientific approach to color could capture the changing moods of sea and sky.
The Courtauld itself holds special significance for Seurat’s legacy, housing the UK’s largest collection of his works. This new exhibition builds on the gallery’s recent successes, including their sold-out Monet exhibition that attracted 120,000 visitors. Given this track record, early booking will be essential when tickets become available later this year.
For visitors, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to see how Seurat’s distinctive style evolved through his seascapes. These works reveal a different side to the artist – one less concerned with urban modernity and more captivated by the timeless interaction between humans and the sea. From bustling harbors to serene coastal views, each piece demonstrates his meticulous approach to capturing light and atmosphere.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a comprehensive catalogue, featuring new research into these important but often overlooked works. Running from February 13 to May 17, 2026, “Seurat and the Sea” promises to be one of London’s most significant art events of the year, offering a rare glimpse into a pivotal moment in art history.
Essential Details:
- Venue: Denise Coates Exhibition Galleries, The Courtauld Gallery
- Duration: February 13 – May 17, 2026
- Focus: Seurat’s coastal works from 1885-1890
- Key works from major international collections
- First UK Seurat exhibition in nearly 30 years
This landmark exhibition continues the Courtauld’s impressive series supported by Griffin Catalyst, which has recently been extended to 2028. For art enthusiasts and history buffs alike, it offers a unique opportunity to explore how one of art’s great innovators captured the timeless allure of the sea.
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