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Occupying a space at the centre of Tate Britain within the foundation of the oldest part of the building’s structure, the Archive Gallery draws on Tate's vast archive of artworks, sketchbooks, letters, photographs and other fascinating material. Changing exhibitions organised by archivists, curators and artists showcasing treasures from the archive are shown in the main spaces of the Archive Gallery. A more permanent display about the history of Tate Britain and the site it stands on can be found in the circular 'Drum' gallery at the centre of the space.
Tate Archive holds over a million items relating to artists, art world figures and art organisations in Britain from 1900 to the present day. Collection highlights include papers created by Francis Bacon, Kenneth Clark Barbara Hepworth, Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, Graham Sutherland and Walter Sickert.
Explore highlights from our archive of items relating to British artists since 1900, including Gilbert & George, Eduardo Paolozzi and Anne Estelle Rice.
The Archive Gallery with Paul Noble’s inaugural display, Past the Future © Tate Photography
A visitor explores the history of Tate Britain in the 'Drum' Archive Gallery