From discovering lesser-known artists to finding a local collection to explore, here are some ideas for how to start your journey through the UK’s diverse public art collection.
We can’t wait for you to see what’s out there.
How can I find great art?
- Browse art that’s in public ownership by location or venue – everywhere from the Shetland Islands to The National Gallery – without having to leave the comfort of your living room
Strathnaver Museum on the north coast of Scotland
- Search for specific artworks or artists – and then find out more about each work, or see all of that artist’s work in public collections across the UK. You can look at some of the most famous art there is, by the likes of Van Gogh, Rembrandt or Monet, and then next minute hop over to look at art where the creator is completely unknown
- Search for topics – what about ‘queen’, ‘sport’, ‘wedding’, ‘aeroplane’, ‘ghost’ or ‘horse’ for starters. Flick through thousands of artworks and see what catches your eye – the website is full of surprises
- Create an Art UK account to save your
favourite artworks so you have a personally curated collection – you can also create albums and save searches
What’s funny?
- Take a look at our pick of the 13 most weird and wonderful portraits on Art UK
What’s inspiring?
- Listen to the Art Matters podcast and explore how art meets popular culture, from The Simpsons to Beyoncé to Virginia Woolf
- Find out why the job description of a painter should probably include staring out of windows
- Try this story about Sidney Herbert Sime – painter of strange, fantasy landscapes and apocalyptic visions
What’s cute?
- What’s it like to be a museum cat? We interviewed Oswald Clingan Smith at the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum
- Meet Hunter, the Shiba Inu making waves on the Expressionist art scene
What’s unexpected?
- One artist’s intrepid expedition to the island of South Georgia – just to paint some penguins
- Art and design has huge benefits to the nation’s physical, mental and social health
A look at works by Quentin Blake
Where else can I go?
- Don’t forget to join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook and follow Art UK on Instagram, Pinterest
and YouTube - Sign up to our newsletter to receive a fortnightly digest of new artworks, stories and more
What if I have a story to tell?
If you want to write about a specific artwork or
Art UK is for everyone who wants to see art, visit art and discover the stories behind the art of the United Kingdom. Welcome to the nation’s art!
Art Matters, 2016, paint on plywood by Bob and Roberta Smith
Jade King, Art UK's Head of Editorial
