The slideshow below shows some prestigious recent acquisitions made possible by supporters. Follow the links to find out more.
Donald Rodney
In the House of My Father 1996-7
Colour photograph on paper on aluminium
image: 1220 x 1530 mm
Presented by the Patrons of New Art (Special Purchase Fund) 2001 The estate of Donald Rodney
Joseph Mallord William Turner
The Blue Rigi, Sunrise 1842
Watercolour on paper
support: 297 x 450 mm
Purchased with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the Art Fund (with a contribution from the Wolfson Foundation and including generous support from David and Susan Gradel, and from other members of the public through the Save the Blue Rigi appeal) Tate Members and other donors 2007
Jake Chapman, Dinos Chapman
The Chapman Family Collection 2002
Thirty four wood and painted sculptures on plinths
overall display dimensions variable
Purchased with assistance from the Art Fund, Tate Members, Tate Fund, the Manton Fund and private donors 2008 Jake and Dinos Chapman
Sir Jacob Epstein
Jacob and the Angel 1940-1
Alabaster
unconfirmed: 2140 x 1100 x 920 mm, 2500 kg
Purchased with assistance from the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Art Fund and the Henry Moore Foundation 1996 The estate of Sir Jacob Epstein
Richard Long
Small White Pebble Circles 1987
Marble pebbles
displayed: 40 x 2000 x 2000 mm
Presented by Janet Wolfson de Botton 1996 Richard Long
Johan Zoffany
Three Sons of John, 3rd Earl of Bute circa 1763-4
Oil on canvas
support: 1009 x 1260 x 22 mm frame: 1270 x 1522 x 80 mm
Accepted by HM Government in lieu of tax with additional payment (General Funds) made with assistance from the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Art Fund and Tate Members 2002
Ai Weiwei
Table and Pillar 2002
Wooden pillar and table dating back to the Qing Dynasty
unconfirmed: 4600 x 900 x 900 mm
Purchased with funds provided by the Asia Pacific Acquisitions Committee 2008 Ai Weiwei
Ian Hamilton Finlay
Sailing Dinghy 1996
Room installation comprising clinker-built boat, poem and wall texts
displayed: 6020 x 4400 x 1400 mm
ARTIST ROOMS Acquired jointly with the National Galleries of Scotland through The d'Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Art Fund 2008 The estate of Ian Hamilton Finlay
John Constable
The Glebe Farm circa 1830
Oil on canvas
support: 490 x 620 mm
Presented by the American Fund for the Tate Gallery, purchase and partial bequest of Sir Edwin and Lady Manton in fulfilment of a pledge to celebrate the Tate Gallery Centenary, 2006
Ricardo Basbaum
Capsules (NBP x me-you) 2000
Painted steel, fabric and polystyrene
object, each: 800 x 1810 x 2640 mm overall display dimensions variable
Presented by the Latin American Acquisitions Committee 2004 Ricardo Basbaum
Tate houses the national collection of British art from 1500 to the present day and international modern and contemporary art from 1900 onwards. The collection embraces all media from painting to performance. It is shared through constantly changing displays at all Tate sites as well as through loans to national and international exhibitions and displays.
We continually strive to acquire outstanding works of art to strengthen the collection. To meet increasing public demand and rising prices we support our acquisition fund through various sources:
- Grants from bodies such as the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Art Fund
- Works of art accepted by the government in lieu of inheritance tax and allocated to Tate
- Gifts and bequests from collectors and artists
- Tate groups such as Members and Patrons
- Geographically focused committees such as American Acquisitions Committee, Latin American Acquisitions Committee, Middle East North Africa Acquisitions Committee and the Asia-Pacific Acquisitions Committee
Help build the collection
Donate or find out more about supporting the collection: call us on +44 (0) 20 7887 4922.