The inception of The National Gallery was in actuality in April 1824 when the House of Commons agreed to pay £57,000 for the picture collection of John Julius Angerstein, an eminent banker. It was planned that the collection of 38 pictured would form the heart of a new nation collection intended for the enjoyment of everybody. The Gallery was committed to a free entry policy, a centrally-placed and accessible site and long opening hours to ensure that its collection can be enjoyed by the widest public possible and not, as some galleries were, only accessible by the privileged of Britain’s higher classes. Although, at the time, there was much criticism of the inadequate housing for the ever-expanding collection which finally led to the decision to erect a purpose-built gallery. The, now well-known, site in Trafalgar Square was chosen, as it was deemed to be the crossroads of the city of London; for it was here where the art would be within reach of the rich people travelling from West London in their carriages, and on also on foot to the poor of the East End London.
The National Gallery continues to engage in an inclusive programme that caters for people who love art or want to be educated in everywhere.
Click here to see what is on today at the National Gallery.
The National Gallery
Gallery in Trafalgar Square
Address
Trafalgar Square, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN
Trafalgar Square, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN
Telephone
020 7747 2885
020 7747 2885
Category
Galleries
Galleries
Region
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square
The National Gallery Picture Gallery
In The News
The National Gallery re-opens
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User Reviews
Fast Eddie
Aug 5, 2004
I was really astounded at the breadth and importance of the collection. When I went to visit there were works by Van Gogh, Degas, Monet, Cezanne, Turner, Botticelli, Seurat, Rembrant, Renoir, Hogarth, Titian, Michelangelo and Constable to name but a few; and it's completely free. I'd urge people to make a contribution as without institutions like these bringing great art together under one roof, it'd take a lifetime of travel to see such works.