The Ashmolean came into existence in 1682, when wealthy antiquary Elias Ashmole gifted his collection to Oxford University. It subsequently opened as Britain’s first public museum, and the world’s first university museum.

Though the collection has evolved considerably, the founding principle remains: that knowledge of humanity across cultures and across times is important to society. In recent years, alongside other museums and cultural institutions, the Ashmolean has focused its attentions on revising the interpretation of its collections and to acknowledging its collecting history.

The collection includes works by notable contemporary artists including Tom Phillips, Peter Blake, Tracey Emin, Peter Doig and Richard Hamilton. The museum has recently embarked on a major project to digitise its collections.

Artimage is thrilled to partner with the Ashmolean to license a selection of their images on their behalf.