Introduction The National Gallery is an art museum located in Trafalgar Square, London. It was founded in 1824 and has since grown to house a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. The gallery is an exempt charity and a non-departmental public body of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, with its collection belonging to the government on behalf of the British public.
The Museum National Gallery (London, United Kingdom)
Introduction
The National Gallery is an art museum located in Trafalgar Square, London. It was founded in 1824 and has since grown to house a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. The gallery is an exempt charity and a non-departmental public body of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, with its collection belonging to the government on behalf of the British public.
History
The National Gallery was established in 1824 when the British government bought 38 paintings from the heirs of John Julius Angerstein. The gallery's collection has since been shaped mainly by its early directors and private donations, which now account for two-thirds of the collection. Unlike many European national galleries, the National Gallery was not formed by nationalising an existing royal or princely art collection.
The current building, designed by William Wilkins, was built between 1832 and 1838. It has been expanded piecemeal throughout its history, with the Sainsbury Wing, a 1991 extension to the west by Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown, being a significant example of Postmodernist architecture in Britain.
Collection
The National Gallery's collection is smaller than many European national galleries but encyclopaedic in scope, representing most major developments in Western painting "from Giotto to Cézanne" with important works. The gallery used to be known for having all its works on permanent exhibition, but this is no longer the case.
The collection includes paintings by famous artists such as
John Hoyland, whose work can be found in Tate Britain (London, United Kingdom). One example is "Untitled" (
View Painting), a Color Field painting created with acrylic on canvas. Another notable work by Hoyland is "Untitled" (
View Painting).
The gallery also has paintings by
Morris Louis, whose work can be found in Tate Modern (London, United Kingdom). Examples include "Alpha-Pi" (
View Painting), "Beta-Lambda" (
View Painting), and "Delta-Mu" (
View Painting).
Accessibility
Entry to the main collection of the National Gallery is free of charge, making it accessible to all. The gallery offers a range of educational programmes and resources for diverse audiences, including audio guides, guided tours, and family activities.
Conclusion
The National Gallery in London is an important institution that houses a significant collection of Western paintings. Its commitment to accessibility and education makes it a valuable resource for art lovers and scholars alike. With its rich history and impressive collection, the National Gallery is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art.
John Hoyland,
Untitled, Tate Britain (London, United Kingdom), Color Field, Acrylic On Canvas.
John Hoyland,
Untitled, Tate Britain (London, United Kingdom), Color Field, Acrylic On Canvas.
Morris Louis,
Alpha-Pi, Tate Modern (London, United Kingdom), Color Field, Acrylic On Canvas.
Morris Louis,
Beta-Lambda, Tate Modern (London, United Kingdom), Color Field, Acrylic On Canvas.
Morris Louis,
Delta-Mu, Tate Modern (London, United Kingdom), Color Field, Acrylic On Canvas.