The UK’s Government Art Collection (GAC), containing over 14,700 works, is to open its first public display space in London next year, The Art Newspaper reports.
It will be called ‘The Viewing Room’ and will operate on regular hours as part of GAC’s new headquarters, located in the Old Admiralty Building between Trafalgar Square and Horse Guards Parade. The new room was inaugurated at the unveiling of the GAC’s latest commission – a print by the British sculptor and graphic artist Rachel Whiteread – however, it is only open to invited guests at the moment.
It will be called ‘The Viewing Room’ and will operate on regular hours as part of GAC’s new headquarters, located in the Old Admiralty Building between Trafalgar Square and Horse Guards Parade. The new room was inaugurated at the unveiling of the GAC’s latest commission – a print by the British sculptor and graphic artist Rachel Whiteread – however, it is only open to invited guests at the moment.
It is hoped that public access will arrive early next year. The move comes as GAC looks to expand the accessibility of its collection, sharing the works with a broader audience through loans and online, as well as in the new viewing space. Presently, GAC’s primary purpose is supplying artwork for UK government buildings in Britain and abroad. Thomas Gainsborough, LS Lowry and Tracey Emin are the artists in the collection. The Department for International Trade has recently taken over the Old Admiralty Building, with part of the ground floor allocated to the GAC.We’re so excited to share that Rachel Whiteread is this year’s artist commissioned for our #RobsonOrrTenTenAward!https://t.co/a7Xz6BOxwW
🫧🫧🫧🫧🫧🫧🫧🫧🫧 Photo: Doug Peters/PA Wire pic.twitter.com/PXGBksMNjE — Government Art Collection (@GovArtCol) October 7, 2022
