Saving for the Nation

In this newsletter we look at Tate Britain’s makeover, keeping the nation’s art and the Hirst/McQueen collaboration.

Tate Britain gets a £45m make over

For years, Tate Britain has been overshadowed by Tate Modern in the design and architecture race. We’re rather excited that its impressive makeover is finally complete! The work, by architects Caruso St John, has completely transformed the building and has art lovers waiting with baited breath. We say, it’s about time the ‘old girl’ got a revamp and we’ll definitely be taking a trip down the Thames to check it out. New features include a spectacular staircase, impressive new ceilings, even the café has had an update!

Selling off the investment

Britain is doing incredibly well in the art market during the ‘recession’ and is bucking the trend. However, the Independent has revealed we’re selling off works that should be ‘saved for the nation’.

Before art of national importance can be exported it must first be offered to cultural institutions. This system has been described as a cultural safety net.

However, less than a third of the antiques, paintings and manuscripts that the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest recommended should be “saved for the nation” actually stayed put. Come on Britain, sort it out, we don’t want to be a nation renowned for losing its best art!

Damien Hirst unveils his collaboration with Alexander McQueen

Hirst has been getting round a lot lately, styling Rihanna for GQ, working with 30 Seconds to Mars and unveiling beach towel collections for the Conran Shop. But, earlier this month, his hotly anticipated collection with fashion power-house Alexander McQueen was unleashed on the world. The scarf collection, is more sophisticated and less garish than we thought it might be. Filled with femininity, the designs released in the video (which we’ve kindly provided below) should go down a storm with the ‘fash-pack’. If scarves aren’t your thing, take a look at our Hirst collection here