Impressions looks in detail at paintings by four of the defining artists of Impressionism - Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Auguste Renoir and Alfred Sisley. Their work forms the core of this exhibition, thanks to four paintings on loan to Nottingham Castle from The Clark Art Institute. Spanning a period from 1870 to 1900, these paintings capture the essence of Impressionist ideas, as the movement evolved.

They are joined by treasures from Nottingham’s wide-ranging collections – and loans from three other UK museums – chosen in response to themes and ideas suggested by each painting. Monet’s and Pissarro’s evocations of springtime in the French countryside prompt spring flowers to spill across the galleries in art, objects and textiles. Paintings and drawings by late 19th and early 20th century British artists reflect on Impressionism’s explorations of light, colour and atmospheric effects, whilst Renoir’s ‘The Letter’ leads to questions about literacy and the art of letter-writing.

Other artists include: Gwen John, Dame Laura Knight, Harold Knight, Anne Redpath, Walter Sickert, Henry Scott Tuke.