About our collection

Tate holds the national collection of British art from 1500 to the present day and international modern and contemporary art.

British art is represented by artists chosen for their contribution to its history and development, rather than their nationality alone. The collection continues to expand its holdings of modern and contemporary art from around the world.

Read on to explore the artworks and learn about how we maintain, grow and provide access to our collection.

Lending our artworks across the world supports our mission to help people to understand and enjoy art.

By doing this, we aim to:

• increase public access to the collection and reach new audiences
• contribute to distinctive exhibitions and public programmes in Britain and internationally
• promote British art abroad
• support artists
• foster a spirit of collaboration and exchange between museums and galleries

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John Singer Sargent, Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose, 1885–6