Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Government Art Collection (GAC). If you are unable to find an answer to your question here or elsewhere on the website, please contact us.

The Collection

How many works of art are there in the Collection?

There are over 13,000 works in the collection. This figure includes works administered by the GAC, such as the portraits of previous British prime ministers displayed on the famous staircase in 10 Downing Street. We continue to purchase and commission works of art each year.

Are all the works in the Collection by British artists?

No, although the vast majority are by artists who were born in Britain or who have strong British connections. The eighteenth-century topographical painter Peter Tillemans is one example of an artist in the Collection who was born overseas but worked in Britain. A small number of works, such as Andy Warhol’s portraits of Queen Elizabeth II, are part of the Collection on account of their strong British subject matter.

Do you commission works of art?

Yes, we occasionally commission works of art directly from artists. Andrew Grassie’s paintings of the Pillared Room at 10 Downing Street and the GAC Sculpture Store are among the contemporary works of art commissioned in recent years. We also commission works on behalf of other Government departments, such as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Home Office.

How much is the Collection worth?

Like other national collections, the GAC is not treated as a financial asset. Due to the constant fluctuations of prices on the art market, it is impossible to attach a financial figure to the worth of the Collection.

What is on display in 10 Downing Street?

As the most important and prestigious British Government building in the UK, 10 Downing Street is the natural location to display some of our finest works. Historical, modern and contemporary works of art can all be found in Number 10.

Do you look after the works of art in the Houses of Parliament?

No. The Houses of Parliament operates a separate art collection.

How we work

In which buildings do you display works of art?

Works of art are displayed in approximately 400 Government buildings in the UK and abroad. In the UK, this includes 10 Downing Street, Lancaster House, main Whitehall departments, and Regional Government Offices. Diplomatic posts abroad include Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates-General in most countries.

Where are works of art displayed?

In order for the GAC to achieve its purpose of promoting British art, culture and history, works of art are displayed in the more public spaces of Government buildings. These include ministerial and ambassadorial offices, entrance halls, corridors, and conference and reception rooms.

How do you decide which works go where?

We work closely with Government staff in selecting works of art. Various factors are taken into account, including appropriateness of subject matter, suitability of medium, and the availability of works of art. Where possible we draw out cultural or historic connections between a work and the department or country in which it is displayed.

Policy

Do you ever sell works of art?

No. We adhere to ethical museum standards in collection management and do not treat works of art as investments. We aim to make purchases prudently and manage the Collection for the nation.

Where do you purchase works of art?

We purchase works from a variety of sources, including auction houses, exhibitions, commercial art galleries and dealers and the artists themselves.

Who decides what is purchased?

Acquisitions are submitted for approval to the GAC Advisory Committee, which meets three times a year and also advises on policy and stewardship matters. The Advisory Committee comprises five ex-officio members, four independent members and a chairperson.

Can you authenticate or value my painting?

No. As a non-profit Government organisation we are unable to authenticate works of art or offer valuations. If you are interested in establishing the authorship or financial worth of a work of art, we would advise you to contact a reputable commercial dealer or auction house.

Can you give advice on conservation?

No. We are not in a position to offer formal conservation advice relating to works of art outside the Collection. To find a reputable conservator and for useful advice, please consult the United Kingdom Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, the International Council of Museums Committee for Conservation, or the International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.

Funding

How is the Government Art Collection funded?

The GAC is part of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and receives annual funding directly from central Government. Other departments provide additional funding for major site-specific commissions in new Government buildings.

How much does the Government Art Collection spend each year on works of art?

We currently receive an annual budget of £551,000, which covers the acquisition and commissioning of works of art, transportation and installation, conservation, reframing and photography. Of this total, a capital sum of approximately £200,000 is allocated for acquisitions and commissioning works.

Do you accept works of art in lieu of tax?

No. Regulations regarding the public accessibility of such works means that we are not permitted to receive works of art in lieu of tax.

Do you accept bequests or donations?

Yes. We accept donated works of art or bequests at the discretion of the Advisory Committee.

Access

Where is the Government Art Collection?

The works of art are displayed in Government buildings throughout the UK and in diplomatic buildings overseas. The small proportion of the Collection that is not out on display at any given time is held at our premises in central London, where the everyday running of the GAC is undertaken.

Can I visit the Government Art Collection?

The GAC is primarily a working collection and does not have a designated exhibition space open to the public. However, we do offer group tours of our premises and participate in the annual London Open House event, during which visitors are able to see some of the works returned for conservation or awaiting selection. Group tours are for established groups (maximum of 20 people each) and must be pre-booked. Academics or museum professionals who wish to research particular works should contact us in advance to find out about the availability of the works and possible viewing arrangements.

Can I see works of art in Government buildings?

Some Government buildings do offer tours to the public and many are available to visit during the London Open House weekend. Researchers interested in specific works of art should contact us. A number of our works of art can also be seen on the websites of certain Government buildings.

Do you lend works of art to exhibitions?

Yes. We lend works of art to temporary public exhibitions wherever possible. A small number of GAC works are also on longer term loan to other public collections.

Working for the GAC

How can I find employment with the Government Art Collection?

All vacancies are posted on the DCMS website or published in the national press or specialist journals. Unfortunately we cannot accept speculative CVs.

Do you offer voluntary placements?

No. We regret that we are unable to offer voluntary work.