TATE BRITAIN

I walked into the Tate Modern in late autumn 2024, expecting to see the 80s Photographs Exhibition, but was politely told it was at the Tate Britain near Vauxhall. Even Londoners can get this one mixed up. So, I got to visit Tate Britain when the opportunity arose.

I didn’t book my tickets online. I turned up midweek and bought tickets on-site. I paid £22 for the 80s Exhibition. The permanent collections are free to view.

Before I share my photos, let me tell you about the Tate Britain.

Tate Britain

The Tate Britain, located on Millbank in London, is one of Britain's most important art museums. It houses the national collection of British art from 1500 to the present day. It was opened in 1897 as the National Gallery of British Art, and it was founded by the generosity of sugar merchant Henry Tate.

Tate donated his collection of British nineteenth-century art to the nation and funded the building's construction. The museum's striking building, designed by Sidney R. J. Smith, is unmissable as you pass it on the banks of the Thames.

The museum's extensive collection of British art history features works from renowned artists such as J.M.W. Turner, John Constable, William Blake, and Francis Bacon.

The Turner Collection is particularly significant, as the artist bequeathed much of his work to the nation. Tate Britain now houses the world's largest collection of his paintings, including masterpieces like "Rain, Steam and Speed" and "Peace—Burial at Sea."

The museum also maintains the prestigious Turner Prize exhibition, an annual event that showcases contemporary British artists and has become one of the world's most famous art awards.

In recent years, Tate Britain has undergone significant renovations to improve its facilities and create more dynamic spaces for contemporary art. The museum also maintains strong educational programs, offering workshops, lectures, and resources for students and art enthusiasts.

As part of the more extensive Tate network, which includes Tate Modern, Tate Liverpool, and Tate St. Ives, Tate Britain continues to play a vital role in preserving and promoting British artistic heritage while engaging with contemporary art practices and diverse audiences.

A Different World

Many think London is paved with gold. Let me tell you something. It’s not. There’s no gold anywhere, maybe inside the Old Lady (Bank of England), but the U.K. only owns three bars even then. The rest is kept safe for countries around the world.

City life is not for the faint-hearted, and the 80s Photo Exhibition captured how hard life can be for both old-timers and newcomers.

An Eye-Opening Exhibition

The 80s Exhibition was an eye-opener. Spread over 11 rooms, it was a fascinating look at life in London during the 1980s.

The photographers caught the mood very well, especially against the backdrop of race uprisings, miner strikes, Section 28, the AIDS pandemic, and gentrification—inspired by stories of protest and change.

Parting Comments

Believe it or not, its been many moons since I came here. It was a very pleasant trip to the Gallery. I didn’t have enough time to go to the permanent collections. I will try when the weather improves.

If you enjoyed reading this article and want to support my work, you can now buy me a coffee ☕️.

Thank you for your attention

Best wishes

Tabby