FAMOUS artworks which adorn UK government buildings across the world are to be displayed publically for the first time in an East End gallery.
The government-owned collection - which includes pieces by LS Lowry, William Hogarth, Tracey Emin and Lucian Freud – will go up in five free exhibitions at the Whitechapel Gallery starting in June.
Pieces in the 13,500-works collection have been chosen by politicians.
Deputy leader Nick Clegg was among those to get involved and he selected David Tindle’s 1970 piece ‘Tea’.
Samantha Cameron chose Lowry’s ‘Lancashire Fair: Good Friday, Daisy Nook’.
The artworks – which date from the 16th Century to the present day - come from government buildings in the UK as well as British embassies across the world.
A 16th Century portrait of Elizabeth I by an unknown artist, selected by Lord Mandelson, also features.
Culture Minister Ed Vaizey said the 113-year collection “holds its own on the world art stage”, despite being built from a relatively modest budget.
The first display will run from June 3 to September 4.
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