Taking Centre Stage: Female Artists in The Atkinson's Collection

From Alice Mary Havers (1850-1890) to Dame Laura Knight (1877-1970) to Dame Tracey Emin (b.1963), this exhibition charts a trajectory from traditional modes of representation to the diverse expressions of contemporary practice. It invites visitors to consider the range of creative voices by women artists represented within The Atkinson's fine art collection, connecting their works to the broader history of art.

The under-representation of women artists in museum and gallery collections is a well acknowledged and deeply rooted issue within the sector. In response, The Atkinson has committed to address these historical inequities through its collecting and programming strategies. As part of this ongoing institutional reflection, the exhibition spotlights the women artists already held within the collection, celebrating their contributions while also acknowledging the wider absences that continue to shape the narrative of art history.

The Atkinson has collected contemporary art since the 1870s, with each new acquisition reflecting the period in which it was created. Alongside painting, sculpture, ceramics and textiles, the collection now includes photography, film, digital art and mixed-media works. The exhibition invites visitors to join the conversation on the future direction of The Atkinson's collections.