The History of Tate: From Humble Beginnings to a Cultural Icon

When Tate first opened its doors to the public in 1897, it operated from a single site, showcasing a modest collection of British artworks. Fast forward to today, Tate encompasses four major sites and curates the national collection of British art from 1500 to the present day, alongside international modern and contemporary art, housing nearly 70,000 artworks.

The Vision of Henry Tate

In 1889, industrialist Henry Tate, who amassed his fortune as a sugar refiner, generously offered his collection of British 19th-century art to the nation. He also provided funding to establish the first Tate Gallery.

Tate was a passionate supporter of the Pre-Raphaelite movement, donating iconic works like John Everett Millais’ Ophelia (1851–2) and J.W. Waterhouse’s The Lady of Shalott (1888). However, his initial bequest of 65 paintings was declined by the National Gallery trustees due to insufficient space.

This sparked a campaign to create a new gallery dedicated solely to British art. With Tate’s pivotal £80,000 donation, the gallery at Millbank—now Tate Britain—was built and opened in 1897. The founding collection combined Tate’s personal bequest with works from the National Gallery.

Henry Tate and the Legacy of Slavery

Henry Tate’s association with slavery has been the subject of extensive debate. To address this complex history, Tate collaborated with the Centre for the Study of the Legacies of British Slave-ownership at University College Londonto investigate the historical facts.

A detailed statement reflecting these findings explores what is known and acknowledges the remaining unanswered questions. Tate remains committed to engaging with these discussions as part of its evolving narrative.

Find out more about Tate’s fascinating history and its ongoing exploration of art, culture, and heritage by visiting the Tatewebsite.