Gallery Records
gallery. From the Pall Mall Gazette,
22 July 1897. Tate Archive Photographic
Collection © Tate
The Gallery Records section of the Archive preserves, documents and makes available for research Tate's own archives. These are public records, covered by the Public Records Act, and responsibility for them is devolved to Tate from the National Archives. They document the history of the Gallery, its buildings, collections, exhibitions and other activities. The files listed on the catalogue are usually older, non-current records, but more recent information may be requested under the Freedom of Information Act.
Catalogue of Tate's Public Records
The catalogue of Tate's Public Records is now available online in the Tate Archive Catalogue. A summary list of the records can be viewed. You can also search for specific items by entering 'TG' in the 'Reference Number' field so that only Tate Gallery records are retrieved, and then entering your search terms in the 'Any Text' field.
The catalogue is also available online via the National Archives' website. A summary list of the records can be viewed. You can also search for specific items by entering 'TG' in the Department or Series code so that only Tate records are retrieved, and then entering your search terms in the 'Word or phrase' field.
Major series of records held in Gallery Records include:
- acquisition files documenting works held in the collection from 1897 to the present day;
- exhibition files, posters and photographs, from 1911 to the present day;
- Board of Trustees' minutes;
- buildings files, including the original deeds;
- notable events in the Tate's history such as the flood of 1928 and also the administration of the Gallery and its collections during the Second World War.
Access & Further Information
Information on access and opening hours is featured in the Reading Rooms pages.
Gallery Records staff are happy to provide further information about Tate's archives:
Please address any enquiries to:
Gallery Records
Tate
Millbank
London
SW1P 4RG
Call: 020 7887 8838
Fax: 020 7887 3952
Email: gallery.records@tate.org.uk
