Cardiff has a very strong collection of 20th-century art, including works by Jacob Epstein, Eric Gill, Stanley Spencer, LS Lowry and Oskar Kokoschka, as well as the largest holding of work by Gwen John and Augustus John. The contemporary collection includes notable pieces by Frank Auerbach, Lucien Freud and Rachel Whiteread, and is currently increasing in strength with an ongoing range of purchases including major moving image installations.
The museum has collected contemporary crafts since 1924 and has developed a collection of 20th century studio pottery by Bernard Leach, Lucie Rie and Hans Coper. The collection also reflects the craft scene in Wales with work by Walter Keeler, Morgen Hall and Pamela Rawnsley on display. There are notable contemporary works by Hiroshi Suzuki, Junko Mori and Simone ten Hompel.
The gallery hosts a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, including Artes Mundi, which has had a significant impact, bringing major international artists and their work to the city.
Editor’s note:
The National Museum is immensely grand yet somewhat austere; crossing the threshold offers a sense of occasion. The art collections are soon to spread into newly refurbished rooms. Cardiff has a wealth of items in its collection, from historic ceramics, exhibited in traditional wooden display cases, to a major collection of historic and modern works.