Great masters and artists
Find out about some of the most notable artists whose work is held in our fine art collections.
J.M.W. Turner
Dramatic, contemplative, violent, beautiful, dangerous and sublime, Turner's paintings of life at sea include some of the most celebrated paintings of the artist’s long career. The Museum art collections hold many works associated with the artist, including The Battle of Trafalgar, 21 October 1805.
Yinka Shonibare
Yinka Shonibare MBE is known for his exploration of colonialism and post-colonialism within the contemporary context of globalisation. His work Nelson's Ship in a Bottle was acquired by the Museum in 2012, and his temporary exhibition in 2014 explored themes of Britishness, trade and empire, commemoration and national identity.
George Stubbs
The artist George Stubbs is best remembered for his anatomical works of horses, plus his drawings and paintings depicting exotic animals, many of which had never been seen by the British public before.
Willem van de Velde (Elder and Younger)
In 1673-74, Willem van de Velde (Elder and Younger), moved from Amsterdam to London to paint for the English art market, most notably Charles II. Their presence, and the flourishing studio they established at The Queen's House in Greenwich influenced English marine painting throughout the 18th and 19th century.
Inigo Jones
Inigo Jones designed and built the Queen’s House at Greenwich Park. The nation’s first notable modern architect, its design represents the first truly classical building erected in England.
Eric Ravilious
Eric Ravilious was an English painter, designer, book illustrator and wood engraver. The art collections at the Museum include his famous ‘Submarine Series’, a group of lithographic prints and perhaps his most coherent group of wartime works.
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