Government art collection heading to Bradford

A selection of artworks from the government's private collection are to go on show in Bradford next year to celebrate its 125th anniversary.

A free public exhibition featuring 22 pieces selected by young people from across the district will go on display at Cartwright Hall art gallery from 31 January.

Established in 1899, the collection features more than 15,000 works of art, including pieces by Bradford-born David Hockney, L.S. Lowry and Tracey Emin.

Chosen by people aged four to 25 years old, the exhibition will be part of Bradford's UK City of Culture 2025 celebrations.

A second free public exhibition from the collection will open at The National Archives in Kew, London, in May, showcasing pieces commissioned to mark King Charles III's Coronation in 2023.

Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “We are determined to ensure that arts and culture are available to all, not just the privileged few.

"I look forward to visiting these exhibitions and seeing what the young people of Bradford have selected from the collection."

The collection of historic, modern and contemporary British art is displayed in government buildings in the UK and around the world.

Jill Iredale, curator at Cartwright Hall, said: "The collection contains outstanding examples covering the breadth and diversity of art being produced by artists working in Britain today.

"Being able to access this resource and discuss with young people across the district has been a real pleasure.”

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