New Art on View: Public Collections in Britain

by SCALA

This groundbreaking book examines the role of museums in collecting contemporary art and craft. The central focus is the Special Collection Scheme, run by the Contemporary Art Society in the UK and funded by the Arts Council Lottery, which allowed fifteen museums to revitalize their collecting and to grow and respond to twenty-first century life. Since 1998, the scheme has enabled the acquisition of more than 600 works by 313 different artists and makers. Lavishly illustrated throughout, it features such eminent artists as Olafur Eliasson, Juan Munoz, Santiago Sierra, Shirin Neshat, Tracey Emin, Julian Opie, Cornelia Parker, Bill Fontana, Jeremy Deller, Georgina Starr, Yinka Shonibare, Ian Davenport, Gavin Turk, Thomas Ruff, Grayson Perry, Ron Arad, Shelly Goldsmith, Hans Stofer, Simone ten Hompel and Jacqueline Poncelet. Just as significant are the large number of exciting younger artists whose prospects have been boosted by early acquisition for a public collection. A series of interviews with

176 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 2006

About the author

Scala specialises in producing illustrated books for museums, galleries, libraries, cathedrals, heritage sites and educational institutions. With offices in London and New York, we work with many of the most prestigious organisations in the world.

Established over 40 years ago, Scala’s reputation continues to be one of the highest quality, both for the beautiful books we produce and the expert service we provide. We offer all aspects of the publishing process and work closely with each client, tailoring to their individual needs. We create books to the highest standards of design and production, for sale on-site and for promotion in the worldwide book trade as part of Scala’s far-reaching list.

We are extremely proud to work alongside the Science Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Frick Collection, the Royal Collection and Westminster Abbey. We also publish a fantastic selection of exhibition catalogues and museum collection books; a flourishing list of titles on British cathedrals; books on the history and architecture of houses and castles in Europe; and our ever-popular and expanding series Director’s Choice, now with over 50 titles and counting!

From souvenir guides to award-winning catalogues raisonnés, we take pride in every book we publish. We are always looking to expand our family, to discover new institutions and help share their treasures with the world.