Tate Modern: The Handbook

Published to accompany the opening of the major new extension to Tate Modern in the summer of 2016, this book discusses the history of the collection and the current ethos for acquiring works, offering intriguing insight into the considerations involved in building and shaping a national collection. With more than 300 illustrations, the book features some of the Tate’s most popular works, including Matisse’s The Snail, Rothko’s Seagram Murals, Dalí’s Lobster Telephone, as well as recent acquisitions by important artists such as Ai Weiwei and Abraham Cruzvillegas. More than simply a guide to one of the most important museums in its field, the book is also an invaluable tool for understanding modern art and artists.

Matthew Gale is head of displays at Tate Modern.