Collections

Between 1958 and 1971, Ruth Borchard collected one hundred self-portraits by British and British-based artists. These were mostly oil paintings, watercolours and gouaches, with a couple of lithographic prints, and one sculpted relief. Dating between 1921 and 1971, the vast majority were assembled between 1958 and 1966.

During her life Ruth kept a meticulous account of the artists she aspired to commission self-portraits from. Since Ruth's death the Collection have continuted to acquire those works. 

In 2011 the Ruth Borchard Collection launched a national Self-Portrait Prize. In addition to a winner being awarded the £10,000 Ruth Borchard Prize from the submissions a shortlist of works have been acquired for the Next Generation Collection. An ever expanding body of work the Next Generation Collection continues Ruth's project into the 21st century.