Art and collections
We care for one of the world's largest and most significant collections of art and heritage objects. Explore the highlights, our latest major exhibitions, curatorial research and more.
Painting highlights from the Sir Joshua Reynolds collection
Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723–92) was a celebrated English painter who specialised in portraits, and was the first president of the Royal Academy of Arts. We look after the largest collection of Reynolds's works in a historic house setting, including more than 76 oil paintings.
Explore the online exhibition
Navigate around the room and explore Reynolds's works all together in one space for the first time.
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Highlights from 100 paintings in the collections we care for
The 13,000 oil paintings in our care are nearly all displayed in the houses of their historic owners. Learn about the stories behind a selection of the artworks and their owners.
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Great tapestries in our collections
We look after the largest collection of tapestries in the UK and one of the largest in the world. Learn more about these status symbols and explore some of the best examples of this craftmanship at the places in our care.
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Spectacular skies: dawns and dusks in the collections we care for
Explore the artworks in our collections that capture the beauty of sunrise and sunset. See how artists have used seascapes and sunlight to bring to life peaceful scenes and industrial backdrops alike.
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Great books in our collections
Explore a selection from more than half a million books and manuscripts in the collections we care for. Libraries Curator Tim Pye takes a closer look at some of the most significant works.