The Box and Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery secure 22 nationally significant artworks for the public

16th October 2026

Art Fund has stepped in to save 22 artworks from the Dartington Hall Collection for the nation, providing an exceptional grant to fund a joint acquisition by The Box, Plymouth, and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM), Exeter.

The collection of works by leading British Modernist artists has been acquired in its entirety through a private sale brokered by Phillips ahead of its Modern & Contemporary Art auctions during Frieze Week in London.

The collection comprises paintings, works on paper and ceramics by artists central to the history of twentieth-century British art, including Bernard Leach (1887 -1979), Ben Nicholson (1894 -1982), Winifred Nicholson (1893 -1891), Lucie Rie (1902 -1995) and Christopher Wood (1901 -1930).

Backed by contributions from individuals and trusts following an urgent fundraising campaign, Art Fund has provided a grant of £815,035 to fund 100% of the acquisition to ensure it will remain together for public display, allowing future generations to enjoy and engage with these important works.

The works have previously been on public display together at the Elmhirst Heritage Centre and Museum. They are closely associated with Dorothy and Leonard Elmhirst and with the cultural history of Dartington, Devon. Dorothy and Leonard Elmhirst acquired Dartington in 1925 and developed the estate as an ambitious experiment in rural regeneration, progressive education and the arts. Dartington became a centre of cultural innovation, attracting artists, craftspeople, musicians, dancers, writers and thinkers from Britain, Europe, Asia and the United States. The works in this collection together provide a distinct history of a unique place where artists lived, worked, taught, exhibited and exchanged ideas, and where works were made within an unusually fertile community of artistic and social experimentation.

The works will be shared across Devon rather than held in one place. The Box and RAMM will develop displays, interpretation, talks and research with Dartington and other Devon partners, so that the collection stays rooted in the place and cultural history it came from.

Both museums will offer learning, skills development and volunteering opportunities connected to the collection, and a jointly planned symposium will bring together experts on Modern British Art and studio ceramics. The works will also be available online through RAMM’s Collections Explorer and Art UK, so audiences in Devon and around the world can see them.

The sale benefits the Dartington Hall Trust, supporting the ongoing preservation of the Dartington Estate and safeguarding the extraordinary cultural legacy of its visionary founders, Dorothy and Leonard Elmhirst, whose pioneering commitment to art, education and creativity helped shape British Modernism.

Jenny Waldman, Director, Art Fund, said: “The Elmhirst Collection is an exceptional record of the artistic and cultural life of Dartington, and its influence on British Modernism. These 22 works belong together, and keeping them in public ownership in the South West will ensure that this important part of our cultural history can be shared with future generations. We’re delighted to provide the full funding needed for The Box and RAMM to acquire the collection for their public collections, and grateful to everyone who has worked at pace to make this possible.

Councillor Jemima Laing, Plymouth City Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, said: "This is a hugely exciting acquisition, not just for Plymouth and Devon, but for the nation.

“These artworks are part of an extraordinary story about creativity, innovation and social change that unfolded here in Devon and went on to influence people around the world. By securing this collection for public ownership, we have prevented an important piece of our shared cultural heritage from being lost.

“The collection includes works by some of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century and offers a fascinating insight into the vision of Dorothy and Leonard Elmhirst, whose commitment to the arts helped make Dartington one of the most influential cultural centres in Britain.

“I'm delighted that, through partnership working and the support of Art Fund, these nationally significant works will now remain accessible to everyone. They will inspire future generations, support learning and research, and help us tell important stories about Plymouth, Devon and Britain's artistic heritage."

Councillor Lucy Findlay MBE, Exeter City Council Lead for Culture and City Centre, said: "This is an exceptional collection that speaks directly to the cultural and artistic history of Devon. The Elmhirsts were visionary patrons whose support enabled artists, makers and thinkers to flourish, and these works reflect the rich creative networks that developed around Dartington.

"Securing the collection through a partnership with The Box Plymouth demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations work together to safeguard nationally important heritage. We look forward to sharing the collection with audiences and exploring the many opportunities it offers for exhibitions, learning, research and public engagement."

The partnership acquisition builds on a growing national trend of museums and galleries working together to secure important works of art for public benefit, ensuring collections remain accessible while sharing expertise, resources and audiences.

The artworks will now be cared for by The Box and RAMM and, over time, displayed through exhibitions and engagement programmes that explore Dartington's lasting impact on culture, creativity and society.

Olivia Thornton, Deputy Chairwoman and Head of Modern & Contemporary Art, Europe,

Phillips said: “We are absolutely delighted to have worked closely with these public institutions to secure the future of these remarkable works. Keeping the group together in public ownership is a wonderful outcome, honouring the vision of Dorothy and Leonard Elmhirst and ensuring that their legacy continues to inspire future generations. This private sale represents the best possible result for all involved: benefiting the Dartington Hall Trust, supporting the preservation of the Estate, and ensuring that the public can continue to enjoy this exceptional group of British Modernist works.”