The collection, described as an entirely philanthropic act, aims to make these masterworks accessible to the nation. It comprises oil paintings, watercolours, and miniatures, revealing the networks of artists and patrons that shaped South Asian visual culture during a period of profound change under British colonialism.
Works by prominent Indian artists such as Sita Ram and Ghulam Ali Khan, alongside European artists like Johan Zoffany, Rudolf Swoboda, William Hodges, Thomas Daniell, and William Daniell, are included. These pieces reflect the complex exchanges and power dynamics between India and Britain.
Key highlights include Johan Zoffany’s 1784 painting Portrait of Prince Jawan Bakht and Rudolph Swoboda’s Sepoy in HH Maharaja Srinagar's Indian Regiment, 23 Years Old, c.1886. Three watercolours by Sita Ram also feature prominently, introducing 'Company paintings' to Tate’s collection.
“"As home to the world’s greatest collection of British art, Tate is always looking to tell new and different stories about Britain’s role in international art history. This exceptional gift will significantly strengthen our holdings of art produced in the British Empire and broaden the range of people and histories represented in the national collection."
“"This collection of Anglo-Indian paintings and Company paintings was put together over 45 years. Throughout that time my focus was exploring the deep and intricate relationship between Britain and the Indian subcontinent through the entwined complexities of the artistic encounter."
The public will have their first opportunity to view the collection in a free display at Tate Britain in 2028. Charles Greig, a leading art historian and scholar of British India, has dedicated over four decades to building this collection, focusing on the artistic encounter between Britain and the Indian subcontinent.
