
A world-leading 20th century collection

A world-leading 20th century collection
The IWM collection features almost 20,000 works of art, documenting conflict since 1914 and representing a wide range of mediums, from photography to sculpture. Included in the collection are works created by artists under the British government war art schemes of the First and Second World Wars, including works by the likes of Sir William Orpen and John Singer Sargent.
Throughout its history, IWM has also commissioned artwork. During the First World War, the Women’s Work Sub-Committee commissioned ten female artists to document women's roles during the conflict. IWM continues to commission new works from artists such as Steve McQueen and Paul Seawright, reflecting on conflicts including Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and Afghanistan.
Discover the collection
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View the works of Sir William Orpen, who was an official war artist during the First World War and also produced commissions for IWM.
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10 Paintings of Wartime London
10 Paintings of Wartime London

Explore the interactive Hall of Remembrance
This 3D experience allows you to explore the Hall of Remembrance, a memorial gallery designed by the British architect Charles Holden. It was intended as a memorial to the Britons who gave their lives during the war and would display a set of remarkable paintings commissioned by the British Government toward the end of the war. But the project ran out of time and money and the Imperial War Museum became the custodian of the paintings and sculpture that had been produced.

This War Artist Captured D-Day in Stunning Watercolours
This War Artist Captured D-Day in Stunning Watercolours

Become an IWM Member
Become an IWM Member
