Stories that inspire: fcdo category

Read the fascinating stories of how and why artworks have been selected for show around the world.

Filter by:artistsartworkscitiescommissionscurrent displaysdiplomacyfcdohistorynewspast displays
A print with layers of block colours with torn edges. The centre is white which is overlayed with neon pink, yellow, blue, orange and green, and bordered with a light brown.

Inside the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: LGBTQ+ art and history

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Curated by the Government Art Collection, this display of works in the Watkins Room at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office commemorates milestones in British LGBTQ+ history.

A photo of a man with his arms crossed in front of his chest. He is wearing a grey suit and a dark grey tie, and is smiling at the camera.

Inside the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development: a most unlikely ambassador

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75 years ago, Sir Horace Phillips – the first British Jewish career ambassador – entered the diplomatic service. A new display of works from the Government Art Collection in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office celebrates his life and career.

A work of art in the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office; a set of three white shelves with an assortment of colourful plastic objects sitting on it, including an orange outline of a tree, wine and water glasses, decorative ornaments, a hookah.

Inside the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: a global reception

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The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is responsible for protecting and promoting the UK’s interests worldwide. In 2022, new works of art from the Government Art Collection went up on the walls of its iconic building in London.