Tate Britain

Tate Britain, located on Millbank in London, is part of the Tate network of galleries, alongside Tate Modern, Tate Liverpool, and Tate St Ives. Founded by Sir Henry Tate in 1897, it was initially called the National Gallery of British Art, then the Tate Gallery, and finally Tate Britain in 2000. The gallery houses a vast collection of British art from Tudor times to the present, including significant works by J.M.W. Turner, who donated his collection to the nation.

The building stands on the former site of Millbank Prison, considered a “modern” prison in its time. The prison's design was based on the “panopticon”, designed by Jeremy Bentham, a social theorist.  The prison held 850 prisoners and opened in 1816. It was primarily used as a holding place for those sentenced to be transported to Australia. They would be transported along the river to Woolwich, where larger ships would transport the convicts. The prison closed in 1890.

Construction of the Tate Gallery began in 1893 and was completed by 1897. Designed by Sidney R. J. Smith, its classical portico and dome remain iconic. Over the years, expansions and renovations have shaped Tate Britain, most notably the Clore Gallery, added in 1987 to showcase Turner's work. The Clore Gallery, designed by James Stirling, is admired for its postmodern architectural style.

Tate Britain has faced challenges, such as flood damage from the River Thames and bombings during World War II. Its collection was safeguarded elsewhere, including 700 artworks transported to Muncaster Castle in 1939. The building itself gained Grade II* listed status in 1970.

A major renovation between 2012 and 2013, costing £45 million, revitalized the gallery with new galleries, reinforced floors for heavy sculptures, and a reopened Thames-facing entrance with a spiral staircase under its rotunda.

Today, Tate Britain exhibits both historical and contemporary British art. The gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions, career retrospectives, and a Triennial showcasing contemporary British art.

With regular tours and talks, Tate Britain offers a comprehensive look at over 500 years of British art, from old masters to modern icons like David Hockney, Peter Blake, and Francis Bacon.