UNVEILED: The Entire Rugby Art Collection on Display for the First Time in Decades

Running from 21 February to 6 June 2026, UNVEILED spans eighty years of British art, from post-war scenes to contemporary works. This is a rare opportunity to see the entire collection in one place, from famous names to hidden gems, and discover how the collection has grown and changed over the years.
 
Founded in 1946, the Rugby Art Collection was created to make art accessible to everyone. Over the decades, it has grown into a nationally significant collection, including works by L.S. Lowry, Lucian Freud, Barbara Hepworth, Bridget Riley, Paula Rego, Lubaina Himid, Maggi Hambling and Gillian Wearing, alongside unexpected discoveries from lesser-known artists.
 
The exhibition, hosted at the Rugby Borough Council-owned Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, is arranged across eight decades, giving visitors a chance to see the collection evolve, from post-war realism and industrial scenes, through bold abstract and Pop works, to striking contemporary pieces. Together, the works tell a story of creativity, ambition and the importance of art in everyday life.
 
Launching alongside the exhibition is a new book, “The Story So Far: The Rugby Collection at 80” published by Rugby Borough Council and with contributions from Rugby Art Gallery and Museum staff. The book explores the history of the collection, its most exciting acquisitions and the people who have helped shape it. The book was printed in Rugby and will be available to purchase at the gallery throughout the exhibition.
 
Cllr Maggie O’Rourke, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for Partnerships and Wellbeing, said: “UNVEILED is a rare chance to see the Rugby Art Collection in its entirety.
 
“It’s a celebration of creativity, curiosity and community, showing how a public collection can remain alive and relevant today.
 
“The Rugby Collection is owned by Rugby Borough Council on behalf of its residents, and I hope that many of our residents will want to visit and view the collection for the first time.”
 
Cllr Neil Sandison, Rugby Borough Council Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Partnerships and Wellbeing, said: “We hope visitors will take their time, enjoy discovering familiar favourites and surprising new works, and leave inspired.”
 
UNVEILED is free to visit and promises an inspiring experience for art lovers, families, and anyone curious about the story of eighty years of collecting in Rugby.