Stories that inspire: diplomacy category

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

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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.

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.

A global reception: the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

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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.

The ukrainian rooster jug given to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson in April 2022, at the Edinburgh International Culture Summit.

A closer look: Vasylkiv Cockerel

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As the UK Prime Minister and Ukrainian President walked through the empty streets of Kyiv, a Ukrainian woman approached them and handed them two ceramic jugs in the shape of a rooster.

A man making a speech

Cultural diplomacy and soft power

What does art have to do with international diplomacy, and how does the Collection help flex Britain’s soft power?