The Government Art Collection consists of approximately 13,500 works of art by mostly British artists in a variety of media including paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints, photographs, textiles and video works, dating from the 16th century to the present day. The diverse nature of the collection, its global reach, its role in promoting British art and culture and its 113 year history all blend to create a remarkable story. Works are displayed in 450 locations worldwide, including 10 and 11 Downing Street, Government buildings in Whitehall and diplomatic posts abroad. The wide range of artists represented in the collection include John Constable, Tracey Emin, Lucian Freud, Thomas Gainsborough, Barbara Hepworth, Damien Hirst, William Hogarth, Paul Nash, Grayson Perry, Bridget Riley, Walter Sickert and Yinka Shonibare. This, the first publication of its kind about the little known Government Art Collection, includes a foreword by Sir Nicholas Serota. It presents the fascinating history of this wonderfully eclectic collection, providing an insight into its changing and expanding role, while also showcasing a wide range of key works alongside a wealth of contextual material. 146 colour r25 b/w illustrations
