British Art

Art and Design Collection

This collection spans eight centuries, from a 14th century Gothic ivory to contemporary art.

The collection has been built up by gift, bequest and purchase, with the support of key donors (notably Charles Fairfax Murray, James Richardson Holliday and J. Leslie Wright) and grant funding.

Includes:

  • the finest collection of art by the Pre-Raphaelites and their followers anywhere in the world
  • an extensive collection by Birmingham-born landscape painter David Cox
  • holdings of British 18th and 19th century watercolours
  • late 19th century bronzes associated with the New Sculpture movement
  • non-figurative contemporary British 20th century paintings.

Image gallery

  • Partially drawn portrait in chalk, on paper, of a woman looking to the right
  • Painting showing a stony-faced man and woman on a ship at sea, leaving the coast behind. The woman holds a small child in a shawl and shelters under an umbrella
  • Painting - a carriage and horses attempt to turn around on an icy mountain pass. A refuge can be seen in the distance but dark stormy snow clouds are above
  • Painting of a night scene with a crescent moon visible in clouds, a horse looks into the distance at a passing steam train
  • Painting of a road curving into the distance with a person on horseback in the distance, a stone tower is on the left, trees and greenery on the right.
  • Drawing of three heads in profile, all looking to the left. The head on the right is wearing armour and a helmet with wings on.
  • Painting of two young girls sitting in the countryside, the older girl's eyes are closed, she has a concertina on her lap, the younger girl faces away looking at a double rainbow in the sky
  • Abstract painting - a night view of trees and bushes lit by a half-moon seen high in the sky
  • An unfinshed painting except for the face and hands of a woman with long wavy hair
  • Painting - five children lean against a gate next to a tall tree looking into a field where a tiny bird can be seen rising vertically into a blue sky with wispy clouds
  • Painting of a Nativity scene, three kings and an angel visit the infant Christ to bring gifts

Explore another area of the Art and Design collection

Religious painting of Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus resting, the mother feeds the baby, the father sleeps. A donkey looks over a partially fallen wall in the centre.

European Art

Silver container shaped like half an egg, ornately decorated with four claw feet and two handles

British Decorative Art and Design

Round, ceramic plate with painting depicting a scene from Greek mythology of the Seige of Troy

European Art and Design

Very ornate wooden carved cup with 3D flowers, the lid has a dragon on the top

Folk Art

Full-face helmet from Japanese suit of armour

World Art

Robe-type garment, wrap over and button fastening at the front, made of pieces of scrap fabric

Dress and Textile