Friends excursion: Government Art Collection
Tuesday 19 June 2018 5.45 - 7.15pm
Near Tottenham Court Road, W1T. Full directions with ticket.
£28. Includes wine and nibbles on arrival.
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Join Friends for a private behind-the-scenes tour of the Government Art Collection at its headquarters in Tottenham Court Road.
At their headquarters, the Government Art Collection stores and refurbishes public works of art before they are sent to adorn politicians' offices, embassies, and government departments around the world. Works of art from the collection are displayed in UK Government buildings in nearly every capital city, making it the most dispersed collection of British art in the world, but at any one time, about 25% of the collection is held at the GAC headquarters in London. The collection provides a fascinating snapshot of a world of art that belongs to the British public, yet is so often hidden from view.
Shifting cultural and economic trends often dictate which works are selected for government displays, while the works shown at our embassies around the world are a remarkable example of Britain's cultural diplomacy. Dating from 1898, the collection has expanded over the years and now contains over 13,500 works of art from the 16th century to the present day, by mainly British artists in a broad range of media.
Join fellow Friends to gain an insight into how Britain's works of art are used and cared for, both at home and around the world.