The British art collection at the Yale Center for British Art is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world, with over 2,000 paintings, 20,000 drawings and watercolors, and 30,000 prints. The collection spans from the 16th century to the present day, with a strong focus on the 18th and 19th centuries. The center's collection is particularly notable for its holdings of works by J.M.W. Turner, John Constable, and Thomas Gainsborough, among other prominent British artists.
Introduction to the Collection
The Yale Center for British Art was founded in 1966, with a gift from Paul Mellon, a renowned collector and philanthropist. The collection has since grown through a combination of gifts, bequests, and purchases, and now includes works by over 1,000 British artists. The center’s collection is not only notable for its size and scope, but also for its quality, with many works considered to be among the finest examples of British art in existence. The collection’s strengths include its holdings of British landscape painting, portrait painting, and printmaking, with works by artists such as Thomas Gainsborough, Joshua Reynolds, and William Hogarth.
British Landscape Painting
British landscape painting is a significant area of the collection, with works by artists such as J.M.W. Turner, John Constable, and Thomas Girtin. Turner’s works are particularly notable, with over 100 paintings, watercolors, and drawings in the collection. The center’s holdings of Constable’s works are also significant, with over 50 paintings, drawings, and watercolors, including his famous “The Hay Wain” series. The collection also includes works by other notable landscape painters, such as Richard Wilson and Paul Sandby.
| Artist | Number of Works |
|---|---|
| J.M.W. Turner | 100+ |
| John Constable | 50+ |
| Thomas Girtin | 20+ |
Portrait Painting
Portrait painting is another significant area of the collection, with works by artists such as Thomas Gainsborough, Joshua Reynolds, and George Romney. Gainsborough’s works are particularly notable, with over 50 paintings and drawings in the collection, including his famous “Perdita” series. The center’s holdings of Reynolds’ works are also significant, with over 30 paintings and drawings, including his famous “Self-Portrait” series. The collection also includes works by other notable portrait painters, such as Thomas Lawrence and John Hoppner.
Printmaking
Printmaking is a significant area of the collection, with over 30,000 prints by British artists. The collection’s holdings of works by William Hogarth are particularly notable, with over 1,000 prints and drawings, including his famous “Marriage à-la-mode” series. The center’s holdings of works by other notable printmakers, such as Thomas Bewick and J.M.W. Turner, are also significant.
- William Hogarth: 1,000+ prints and drawings
- Thomas Bewick: 500+ prints and drawings
- J.M.W. Turner: 200+ prints and drawings
What are the center's hours of operation?
+The Yale Center for British Art is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm. The center is closed on Mondays and major holidays.
Are the center's collections available online?
+Yes, the Yale Center for British Art's collections are available online through the center's website. The website includes high-quality images of the center's works, as well as detailed descriptions and provenance information.
The Yale Center for British Art’s collection is a significant resource for scholars, students, and art lovers alike. The collection’s strengths in British landscape painting, portrait painting, and printmaking make it a unique and valuable resource for the study of British art. The center’s commitment to making its collections available online has also made it possible for people around the world to access and learn from the collection. As the center continues to grow and evolve, it is likely to remain a leading institution in the field of British art for years to come.
