About this Book The Tate Gallery in London contains superb and historically representative collections of modern painting and sculpture in addition to the National Collection of British Painting from the 17th century to the present day. These Collections include some of the most famous paintings and sculptures in the world, by such artists as Gainsborough, Constable, Turner, Whistler, Van Gogh, Picasso, Rodin and Henry Moore. Sir John Rothenstein, Director of the Tate from 1938 to 1964, has chosen the plates for this book. He has added critical and historical comments on the works reproduced and his introduction traces the history of the gallery and its 65 years of remarkable progress and achievement. The story is one of great importance, for the growth of the Tate has reflected the changing taste of the English public over six of the most significant decades in the history of art. Sir JOHN ROTHENSTEIN CBE, son of the painter Sir William Rothenstein, was Director of the Tate Gallery from 1938 to 1964. Previously, he was Director of the City Art Gallery, Leeds and Director of the City Art Galleries and Ruskin Museum, Sheffield. He has published numerous works on both British and European art, including Modern English Painters, Augustus John, Turner, Manet and British Art Since 1900: an Anthology. CONTENTS THE CONCEPTION EARLY YEARS 1897—1917 FIRST YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE 1917—1939 THE WAR AND AFTER THE PLATES THE PICTURES IN MONOCHROME LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS TEXT REFERENCES INDEX OF NAMES