Art UK's Digital Mission Surpasses One Million Public Artwork Entries
The charity Art UK has announced a significant milestone, with its online database now featuring over one million artworks from public collections across the United Kingdom. This achievement coincides with the appointment of Ben Terrett as the new chair, who remarked, "We've only scratched the surface" of the vast and varied public art holdings.
A Decade of Digitising the Nation's Art Treasures
Marking its 10th anniversary, Art UK began with a focus on digitally cataloguing paintings but has since expanded to include drawings, watercolours, ceramics, sculptures, stained glass, banners, architectural drawings, and street murals. From a bronze Rodin sculpture of Eve outside a Nando's in Harlow to more than 6,000 works by JMW Turner, and even a crumpled ball of A4 paper owned by Manchester Art Gallery, the collection showcases an incredible diversity.
Terrett, a former director of design for the UK government and recent CBE recipient, emphasised the database's role in uncovering hidden artworks. "It shines light on just how many artworks are never seen because they are in storage," he said. He highlighted that while institutions like the Tate are well-known, many pieces reside in hospitals, council buildings, and other public spaces where they remain largely unseen.
Enhancing Access and Encouraging Physical Visits
The resource is described as an encyclopedic and fun tool that invites exploration. For instance, searching for "mosquito" yields 53 listings, ranging from technical drawings to wartime paintings and sculptures. Similarly, artist Martin Creed's works, including his Turner Prize-winning light installation, are documented with 24 entries. Terrett believes the database should be better known and aims to raise its profile to increase public engagement.
He shared personal insights, noting his upbringing in a Wiltshire village without easy access to museums, which fuels his passion for widening arts access. "Creative education in state schools has been decimated," he added, underscoring the challenges faced by children today. Evidence suggests that interacting with the database often inspires people to visit galleries in person, bridging digital and physical experiences.
Future Goals and Technological Optimism
Recent additions that helped reach the million mark include a 1951 stencil by Henri Matisse at the University of Lancaster, a Gwen John flower painting at National Museum Cardiff, a Venice canal painting by Mary Hagarty in Bath, and a portrait by David Foggie at the University of Dundee. The Art UK board expressed excitement for Terrett's fresh thinking to help reach new audiences, embrace technologies, build income, and enhance international profile.
Terrett remains optimistic about the internet's positive impact, stating, "It's hard to hold on to that belief, but it still is a net positive. This is a really nice example of where the internet is doing good." As Art UK looks ahead, its mission continues to digitise and democratise access to the UK's rich public art heritage.
