FOI2024/08406 : Government Art Collection - Installed and De-installed Artwork from Nos. 10 and 11 Downing Street
Response to a freedom of information request for artworks that have been installed and de-installed since 4 July 2024.
Documents
Details
| Reference number | FOI2024-08406 |
|---|---|
| Date of request | 30 October 2024 |
| Date of response | 31 January 2025 |
| Outcome | Granted in full |
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport received the following request for information which we responded to under the Freedom of Information Act 2000:
“In relation to the Government Art Collection. Can you please provide information on
Part A
1 - Artworks removed from 11 Downing Street and its offices (please provide a full list) Since July 4 2024.
2 - If possible, could you please provide a list of artworks that have been moved into 11 Downing Street and its offices from the same date
Part B
- Can you provide the same information as in Part A, but for 10 Downing street - Part A is the priority if there is a statutory limit issue.”
Our response
We apologise about the delay of this request. We have dealt with your request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. I can confirm that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport does have information within scope of your request.
The Government Art Collection (GAC) promotes British art, culture and creativity through displays in UK Government buildings worldwide. It is the most widely distributed collection of British art, with displays in over 125 countries, and makes an important contribution to the UK’s cultural diplomacy through being seen by thousands of visitors to these buildings each year.
Every minister has the opportunity to work with the Government Art Collection to change the display of artworks in their offices and this is part of the ‘business as usual’ for the collection. Please note the artwork titled ‘Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill (1874-1965) Prime Minister’ was on loan from the National Portrait Gallery. The portrait was returned to the gallery during the timeframe of your request and a new artwork to commemorate Sir Winston Churchill was installed on 8 November 2024.
Please find the information in scope in the 4 attached documents labelled:
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CO Installed
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CO De-Installed
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HMT Installed
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HMT De-Installed