When Tate Britain’s completed rehang is unveiled on May 23, only those with the longest memories or most frequently used membership cards will remember the Millbank gallery’s precise configuration before the change. But all visitors will notice the change in vibe.
Gone is the chronological sweep from mannered Tudor portraits, through Van Eyck’s Restoration nobles, followed by Reynolds, Hogarth and Gainsborough, leading to the 19th century of Constable, Turner and the Pre Raphaelites, with women artists only making an appearance in the 20th century. Now women artists from all eras are being given their due, with 50 per cent of contemporary works on display created by women.
Fresh light is shone on established artists such as Hogarth, with explanations of how their work sat in the social, economic and political structures of their time. And as well as women, 20th-century artists marginalised for their sexuality, including Glyn Philpot and Duncan Grant, are given prominent positions in the story of British art history. Outgoing director of Tate Modern, Frances Morris says each generation has to “rebirth” art history to make it relevant to their times.
Here are seven women artists to get to know better in Tate Britain.
Anya Gallaccio, preserve ‘beauty’ (1991-2003)
Growing up in London, Gallaccio studied at Kingston University followed by Goldsmith’s College. Her site-specific installations are noted for their use of organic material, which will decay and change into different forms over time.
preserve ‘beauty’, consisting of a wall of gerbera daisies behind a sheet of glass, was shortlisted for the 2003 Turner Prize.