Collectors and benefactors

National Gallery is accessible to all

From the foundation of the National Gallery to the present day, collectors and benefactors have played a key role in the development of the national collection.

Whether through the gift of a single painting, a bequest of an entire collection or a major financial donation, the generosity of benefactors has helped to enhance the experience of the Gallery for all its visitors.

Benefactors

  • The Art Fund
    The Art Fund has a long history of supporting acquisitions at the National Gallery.
  • Sir George Beaumont
    Biography of the collector George Beaumont, a major sponsor behind the creation of the National Gallery.
  • Samuel Courtauld
    Biography of Samuel Courtauld (1876–1947), chairman of the family textiles firm and an active patron of the arts.
  • Sir Paul Getty
    Biography of the Sir Paul Getty (1932–2003) whose endowment has an ongoing legacy at the National Gallery.
  • Reverend William Holwell Carr
    Biography of the collector Reverend William Holwell Carr (1758–1830) who bequeathed 35 paintings to the National Gallery.
  • Dr Ludwig Mond
    Biography of Dr Ludwig Mond (1839-1909) who bequeathed his collection of 42 pictures to the National Gallery.
  • The Sainsbury brothers
    Biography of the Sainsbury Brothers, benefactors to the National Gallery.
  • George Salting
    Biography of George Salting (1835–1909), an avid collector of the fine and decorative arts.

Collectors

  • Feature
    John Julius Angerstein
    Biography of John Julius Angerstein whose collection of paintings went on to form the cornerstone of the National Gallery.
  • Feature
    The Bridgewater syndicate
    Discover how the first British owners of ‘Diana and Actaeon’ revolutionised tastes in art and started the first public displays.
  • Feature
    Prince Albert and the Gallery
    The history of Prince Albert's collection at the National Gallery
 
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The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN