How much art does your council own and is it locked away or on display?
Summary
A BBC review found that English councils own more than 500,000 artworks, but fewer than one in 20 are on public display. Councils cited limited storage, staffing and museum resources, while some display their collections and a small number have sold or transferred works.Key Facts
- The BBC collected data from 225 English councils that hold more than 500,000 artworks.
- As of April, councils reported displaying 26,856 works from their collections.
- Waltham Forest Council has the largest reported collection, with 125,000 works.
- Rugby Council was the only responding authority with more than 100 artworks to have all of them on display; its collection has 257 pieces.
- Rugby displayed the full collection together for the first time in April and is seeking funding for a gallery and museum redevelopment that would include permanent display space.
- Ten councils reported disposing of artworks during the past six financial years; Derbyshire sold 356 works in 2021–22 and North Lincolnshire sold 22 at auction in 2023–24.
- Kent previously told the BBC that it had sold 418 artworks in the 12 months to April, citing the closure of the store where they were kept.
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