New book presents history of Government Art Collection
Publication coincides with the first public exhibition of works from the collection
The Government Art Collection (GAC) has published a book giving an insight into its 113-year history.
Art, Power, Diplomacy: The Untold Story of the Government Art Collection covers a wide range of its key works and includes a foreword by Nicholas Serota, Director of Tate, and contributions from art historian and critic Richard Dorment and acclaimed artist Cornelia Parker.
Its publication comes during the first of five displays of pieces from the collection at the Whitechapel Gallery in London. The first part of the exhibition features work chosen by prominent public and political figures, including the Prime Minister’s wife Samantha Cameron and Culture Minister Ed Vaizey.
The collection consists of about 13,500 works of art by mostly British artists dating from the sixteenth century to the present day. They are displayed in 450 locations worldwide, including 10 Downing Street, Government buildings in Whitehall and diplomatic posts abroad.