What is the Government Art Collection?
Why does the Government have an art collection? What does it collect? Why is the Collection spread across the world?
History of the Collection
For 125 years, the Government Art Collection has been acquiring and displaying artworks that showcase British creativity and culture. From our humble beginnings in 1899, we've grown into a dynamic collection that represents the UK at home and abroad.
Where can I see the Collection?
Find out where you can see the Government Art Collection, through loans to exhibitions and collections across the UK.
See the Collection
The Government Art Collection is the most dispersed collection of British art in the world. Find out where you can see its artworks in public exhibitions in the UK and abroad.
Discover stories from the Collection
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A closer look: a masters’ secret for 10 guineas
In 1796, leading artists from the Royal Academy fell victim to an incredible hoax about an art masters' secret, masterminded by Ann Jemima Provis.
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A closer look: Frank Auerbach’s Mornington Crescent
Frank Auerbach always chose to paint subjects that were close to him.
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Art questions… with Ilana Halperin
We spoke to artist Ilana Halperin about her life as an artist and her fascination with geology and art – from volcanoes and meteorites to Iona marble.
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Art questions with… Christopher Samuel
We sat down with artist Christopher Samuel to discuss art and access for Disability History Month.
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A closer look: Lowry’s coronation view
In 1953, L.S. Lowry was appointed an official artist at the coronation of Elizabeth II. He could not imagine why he was chosen to capture such a grand occasion.
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A closer look: Lucian Freud’s Welsh Landscape
In 2008, Lucian Freud came to the headquarters of the Government Art Collection to revisit his work Welsh Landscape, painted between 1939 and 1940.
Explore art displays around the world
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A global reception: the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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.
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‘Sentimental meanderings’: a new display in Berne
Diplomatic relations between the UK and Switzerland were established in the early 19th century.
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A Life Livelier: British art and diplomacy in Costa Rica
23 artworks from the Collection hang on the walls of the British Ambassador’s Residence in San José. From historical prints to modern and contemporary art, the new display gives us an insight into the cultural and diplomatic connections between the UK and Costa Rica.
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Eye of the Sultan: a new display for Ankara
During the 18th century, diplomatic relations between the UK and Turkey were formalised. A new display of works of art in the British Ambassador’s Residence in Ankara tells the story of this historic engagement, and follows the countries' shared histories.
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Journeys of the heart: the UK and the Holy See
2022 marked 40 years of full diplomatic relations between the UK and The Holy See.
