What is the Government Art Collection?
Understand why the Government has an art collection, what it collects and why the Collection is spread across the world.
Art X-UK Acquisitions
Over 2020 the Government Art Collection collected new works by 45 visual artists from across the UK, celebrating and supporting the diversity of creativity across the Union.
Representation of the People Project 2018-28
Find out about the Collection's ten-year commitment to assess and improve representation in the Collection across age, disability, gender, race, sexuality and socio-economics.
Explore the Collection
There are so many ways to discover this unusual collection. Apply creative ways to search and enjoy the Collection.
Discover Stories from the Collection
-
A Closer Look: Charity Children in the Strand on 7 July 1713
Curator Laura Popoviciu takes a closer look at George Vertue's 18th-century print that celebrates the Peace of Utrecht.
-
Body, Mind and Soul: the Making of Lord Byron
On the bicentennial of Greece’s 1821 Revolution and War of Independence, discover Lord Byron through a new lens. Understand the power of his image and his influence through six related works of art and letters from the Government Art Collection and Newstead Abbey.
-
A Very Big Bean: the Collection in Japan
Between 2012 and 2016, the Collection worked with the British Ambassador to Japan on new displays of art for Tokyo. The former Ambassador reflects on the role that art played in diplomacy.
-
The Art of Diplomacy
An old map of Romania and a fire-damaged print of London: Britain's Head of Soft Power, who also served as Ambassador to Romania, speaks with our historical curator about the links between art and diplomacy.
-
‘A Canvas to Depict the Special Relationship’
Works from the Collection are particularly well represented in New York City. Find out what the portrait in this picture tells us about Britain’s entangled history with the United States.
The GAC display at the Residence ties together our efforts of portraying a modern, sustainable and innovative Britain, whilst linking to key historical events and individuals. The artwork is often commented on positively by visitors.
Dame Barbara Woodward, British Ambassador to China
Collection Highlights
![Image of The Picture Gallery, Stafford House [now Lancaster House]](https://artcollection.culture.gov.uk/wp-content/themes/gac/includes/cimage/artworkimage/O31258/060601f71249951.88405874.jpg&w=400&crop-to-fit)
Roles in Action
Looking after over 14,000 works of art, our staff bring expertise, passion and pragmatism to their roles. Discover what happens behind the scenes through a series of interviews and accounts.
History of the Collection
Art is one way of remembering Britain’s long-standing relationships with other nations. Learn about the history of the Collection and its role in British cultural diplomacy.
A Working Collection
Works from the Collection are regularly on the move. Find out what’s needed to make this happen and the job mission of the artworks themselves