Building the Sainsbury Centre

More than forty years after it was built, the Sainsbury Centre retains the capacity to surprise and delight, and to challenge expectations of the modern museum.

Stories

Delve deeper into our work with artists, collectors and the public, and discover new perspectives on the Sainsbury Centre.

“His images seep into your consciousness”: Martin Parr on Bill Brandt’s Legacy

An insight into the enticing connections between two leading photographers.

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In from the Cold: Five Sainsbury Centre Treasures at the British Museum

Objects from the Centre’s collection offer snapshots of life in the Arctic.

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Potted History: Julian Stair and the Sainsbury Centre

From meeting Lisa Sainsbury in 1982, to his latest monumental jars, the artist discusses his history with the Centre.

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Equity, aesthetics and the transformative philosophy of the Sainsbury Centre

Gus Casely-Hayford on the Sainsbury Centre and changing curatorial practice.

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Work on paper by Mona Hatoum depicting circles

Redrawing the Collection

Works by Cornelia Parker, Rachel Kneebone, Mona Hatoum and Wangechi Mutu will place women sculptors at the fore.

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A family day at the Sainsbury Centre. Photo: Katherine Mager

A Place to be Inspired

The Centre’s grounds are home to art, wildlife and endless opportunities for all who visit.

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Darren Waterston, Filthy Lucre, 2013-14. Photo: Luke Walker. Courtesy: The Artist and DC Moore Gallery, New York

The Never-ending Influence of Art Nouveau

Following the opening of Art Nouveau: The Nature of Dreams at the Sainsbury Centre, artist Darren Waterston and interior designer Robert Couturier discuss bringing organic forms and decorative motifs to their work.

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Frink, by Edward Pool (c.1964–65). © Frink Estate and Archive, Dorset History Centre

Elisabeth Frink’s Universal Truths

Why this artist’s works will be right at home in the Sainsbury collection.

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The drama of Kabuki

Two Kabuki idols in the Sainsbury collection once raised eyebrows on the streets of Japan.

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New Brighton Lido Postcard, 1930s. Lent by the Bruce Peter Collection

The Art of Escape

Our Art Deco by the Sea exhibition tells the story of the popular aesthetic of Britain’s coastal resorts. Explore the fascinating history and allure of Art Deco style with Curator and Acting Director Ghislaine Wood.

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A journey through clay: Duro Olowu on The Journey of Things

Nigerian-born, British fashion designer Duro Olowu is internationally renowned for the luxurious womenswear collections he creates, inspired by art and his international travels. He has curated a number of exhibitions of art from across time, place and discipline most recently the much lauded exhibition Making And Unmaking at Camden Arts Centre in 2016. A big fan of Magdalene Odundo, he travelled to see the exhibition The Journey of Things at both the Hepworth Wakefield and the Sainsbury Centre. He talks to curator Tania Moore about Odundo’s practice, importance and the gravitas of the display.

Spies, Sufism and Sci-fi: Doris Lessing at 100

When Lessing arrived in London in 1949, Britain’s spy community were aware. The South African Police had informed MI5, calling her “an attractive, dangerous and forceful woman”.

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Robert & Lisa Sainsbury

Robert Sainsbury started collecting in 1929 and in 1937 he married Lisa van den Bergh from which point they collected works together. Robert Sainsbury was always keen to point out that he never intended to become a collector.

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The Sainsbury Centre

The Sainsbury Centre remains one of the world’s most extraordinary museum buildings.

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Hands Find Form

Hands Find Form was a seven-month collaboration between the Sainsbury Centre and Earlham Nursery School.

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Laurence Edwards: Man of Stones

Laurence Edwards is one of the most important figurative sculptors working in the UK. Photographer and filmmaker Bill Jackson has documented the process and recorded this beautiful film.

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Online Display

(Un)Named Maker, an online display curated by Sonny Assu.

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