Art for the Nation: The Oil Paintings Collections of the National Maritime Museum

Showcasing the highlights of the National Maritime Museum’s world-class oil painting collections, this book features beautiful images and a series of comprehensive essays from leading experts, making it an essential companion for any art lover. The oldest collection, the Greenwich Hospital Collection, dates back to the early 18th century and, from 1824 onwards, was the first "national" historical art collection open to the public. Others—such as the Caird, Ingram, and Palmer Collections—include works that date back to the 16th century, while paintings from the Ministry of Defence and 20th-century holdings include eyewitness images from Cook’s voyages and a superb collection of work by artists of World Wars I and II.