Government Art Collection

The GAC's artworks are used to decorate major government buildings in the UK and around the world, and to promote British art, culture and history.

The GAC dates its establishment to 5 December 1899, when the 2nd Viscount Esher, Permanent Secretary to the Office of Works, wrote to Sir Francis Mowatt, Permanent Secretary to the Treasury, proposing to spend £150 to acquire five painting for the Foreign Office, arguing that the expenditure would save a greater amount of money that would otherwise be spent on decorations.

Lowry, Barbara Hepworth, Bridget Riley, Lucian Freud, Peter Blake, Eduardo Paolozzi, David Hockney and Elisabeth Frink, and more contemporary artists such as Emma Kay, Zarina Bhimji, Yinka Shonibare, Michael Landy, Grayson Perry, Chris Ofili, Lubaina Himid, Rachel Whiteread, Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Bridget Riley, Martin Creed, David Nash, Hurvin Anderson, David Remfry, Chantal Joffe and Denzil Forrester.

The collection also includes prints of cartoons by artists such as James Gillray, George Cruikshank and Victor Weisz, and Punch magazine caricatures by Carlo Pellegrini ("Ape") and Sir Leslie Ward ("Spy").

Around two-thirds of the collection is on display in government buildings, with some items loaned for exhibitions, and the remainder at its premises in central London for conservation or awaiting re-display.

[9] Purchases and commissions are made with the support and agreement of the Advisory Committee on the Government Art Collection, whose members are appointed by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.