There are over 800 oil paintings and over 6,000, watercolours, drawings and prints at the Harris. The collection includes 18^th century portraits and landscapes, Victorian and 20^th century paintings, prints and drawings by British and European artists from around 1400 to the present day, and work by regional artists.

This portrait of Pauline Gunn, the artist’s wife, caused a sensation when it was first displayed at the Royal Academy in London. It was voted picture of the year and described as ‘the Mona Lisa of 1944’ by the Daily Mail.

The Harris purchased the painting. Visitors flocked to see her when the painting first arrived in Preston. They were captivated by her gaze and sometimes outraged by the yellow dress, made with extravagant amounts of fabric during war time rationing. At the time, Gunn was one of Britain’s most popular portrait painters. His seemingly effortless style brought him numerous commissions, including the Royal Family, prime ministers, and leading artistic and literary figures of the day.

Today, Pauline in the Yellow Dress is still our most popular painting.