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What do you think of when you think of Tate? A remembered visit perhaps, a favourite work of art, or even a media debate about the validity of modern art. While the public perception of Tate rightly centres around the work it displays within its galleries and online, crucial to the Collection are the people that have been involved in its development since the Gallery opened over a hundred years ago.

The following pages provide an insight into some of the individuals and groups who have helped shape Tate into what it is today; benefactors who have donated money or works of art; those working within the Gallery to care for and represent the Collection; and of course the public for whom Tate exists and who have enthusiastically supported (and vigorously criticized) the Gallery over the years.

Did you know?

Did you know that when Tate first opened in 1897 it employed just twenty five members of staff. These included: a keeper; a clerk; five attendants; four porters; one messenger; six housemaids; six policemen and a sergeant. By comparison Tate now employs 850 people over its five sites.
Equivalent VIII
Equivalent VIII, Installation View

© Carl Andre / VAGA, New York and DACS, London 2003