Parliamentary Art Collection

This important United Kingdom collection documents not only works of art but the history of Parliament, its people and buildings. It covers sculpture from Medieval times to painting and art completed in recent times. The art collection contains more than 450 images of the good and the great from William the Conqueror to 20th Century parliamentarians. In all, however, the entire collection housed in all government buildings comprises more than 10,000 items ranging as stated from paintings and sculptures to prints, medals and coinage in all media to 21st-century digital representations.

The oldest objects are the stone statues of Medieval Kings in Westminster Hall, dating from c.1388. During the mid-19th century, many of the larger works in the collection were commissioned as part of the rebuilding of the new Palace of Westminster after the destructive fire of 1834. A group of advisors including Peers and members of Parliament and a full-time Curator is constantly looking to improve and add to the collection. It is specifically aimed at seeking out, acquiring and commissioning relevant works of art created by living and contemporary artists based in the UK.