Art movements

Tate Britain’s core collection is getting a makeover
By Ella Joyce | Art | 15 February 2023
Above:

Rene Matić, ‘Chiddy Doing Rene’s Hair’, 2019 © Rene Matić. Photo: Tate (Sonal Bakrania)

For the first time in ten years, London’s Tate Britain is having a complete rehang. Arriving in spring, the world’s largest collection of British art is getting a makeover with well-loved favourites sitting along brand-new discoveries, compiling more than 800 works from over 350 artists.

Iconic pieces from the collection will be on show, including works such as David Hockney‘s A Bigger Splash, John Everett Millais’ Ophelia and Chris Ofili’s No Woman, No Cry. The overhaul also presents a new focus on individual artists, visitors can expect a career-spanning display of over 100 works from JMW Turner and rooms dedicated to the likes of William Blake and Henry Moore.

David Hockney, ‘A Bigger Splash’, 1967 Photo: Tate

In an attempt to reflect the ongoing transformation of Tate’s extensive collection, over 200 works acquired after the millennium ranging from Georgian battle scenes to Derek Jarman sculptures will be on display. Female artists will be better presented than ever before, with works from Tracy Emin, Bridget Riley and Emily Sargent on display alongside a variety of female visionaries from across the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. To mark the occasion, contemporary artists have been commissioned to install works beyond the gallery spaces, including two climbable concrete sculptures by Sarah Lucas and a site-specific ceiling painting by France-Lise McGurn.

Alex Farquharson, Director of Tate Britain, said: “When our new displays open on May 23rd, visitors to Tate Britain will be able to explore 500 years of revolutionary changes in art, culture and society, culminating in new work by some of Britain’s most exciting contemporary artists. We will celebrate the very best of British art and show how it speaks to us, challenges us, and inspires us.”

Tate Britain’s rehang opens to the public on May 23rd. 

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