Art Gallery: Breakthrough

Breakthrough is dedicated to displaying IWM’s own art collection. Works by some of Britain’s most influential artists are displayed alongside more contemporary works and recent acquisitions.

Among the artworks is our most significant work - Gassed by John Singer Sargent, which is permanently displayed in the Sargent Gallery. Alongside Gassed is a changing programme of exhibitions with new artworks from the core collection as well as recent acquisitions. On display, you may see works by Sir William Orpen, Sir Stanley Spencer, Paul and John Nash, Henry Moore, Eric Ravillious and Evelyn Dunbar.

From February to July 2012, Breakthough is featuring sculptor Reg Butler's Maquette for the Monument to the Unknown Political Prisoner. Between 1951 and 1953, amid rising Cold War tensions, the ICA in London staged a remarkable sculpture competition, Monument to the Unknown Political Prisoner. It was a compromisingly abstract idea by Butler that seized the moment and won the judges’ favour.

Please note that Breakthrough will be closed from 16 April to 27 April for a rehang of some of the artworks on display. The Sargent Gallery will remain open throughout this period.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.