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Damien Hirst Donates Pickled Cow And Other Major Work To Tate

By 24 Hour Museum Staff

13/12/2007

Image: a photograph of a gallery with formaldehyde-filled glass cases containing parts of a cow whilst a painting of spots hangs on the wall

Damien Hirst's cow in formaldehyde is now part of the permanent collection at Tate. © Isla Harvey / 24 Hour Museum

Damien Hirst has donated four major works of art, including his infamous pickled cow, to the Tate collection.

The gift includes an early vitrine, The Acquired Inability to Escape (1991), the sculpture Life Without You (1991), one of the first in Hirst’s series of fly paintings Who is Afraid of the Dark? (2002), and the exhibition copy of Mother and Child Divided (2007) which is on display in Turner Prize: A Retrospective at Tate Britain until January 6 2008.

It is the first phase of a major gift of works from Damien Hirst’s personal collection that he has committed to Tate.

“It means a lot to me to have works in the Tate,” said the 42-year-old artist. “I would have never thought it possible when I was a student. I’ve been in negotiations with the Tate for a few years to make sure they get the right pieces to represent me properly.”

“I think giving works from my collection is a small thing if it means millions of people get to see the work displayed in a great space.”

Works already in the Collection by the artist include the major installation Pharmacy (1992), the shell cabinet piece Forms Without Life (1991), a suite of 13 prints from The Last Supper (1999) and a print from the series London, Untitled (1992).

This latest donation will, according to Tate Director, Nicholas Serota transform the representation of his work in Tate's Collection. “Tate is indebted to international contemporary artists such as Damien Hirst for working with us on building the collection,” he said.

Tate Britain
Tate Britain, Millbank, London, SW1P 4RG, England

Open: Daily 1000-1750
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Tate Modern
Tate Modern, Bankside, London, SE1 9TG, England

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Open: Open Sunday-Thursday, 10.00-1800 and Fri & Sat 10.00-22.00
Closed: Closed 24-26 December

Tate Liverpool
Tate Liverpool, Albert Dock, Liverpool, L3 4BB, Merseyside, England

Open: Tues-Sun and Bank Holiday Mondays 10.00-17.50 June, July & August: Mon-Sun (including Bank Holiday Mondays) 10.00 - 17.50
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Tate St Ives
Porthmeor Beach, St Ives, TR26 1TG, Cornwall, England

Open: March - October Open every day 10.00 - 17.30 November - February Tuesday - Sunday 10.00 - 16.30 Closed 23, 24, 25, 26 December Open 30 December 2002 and 1 January 2003

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