American pop artist Ed Ruscha is donating one copy of all future prints he creates in his lifetime to Tate. As part of the donation, he will also give 18 recent editions to the collection.
In a statement released yesterday, Tate director Sir Nicholas Serota said: “This is a rare and generous commitment, not to mention a wonderful Christmas present to the whole nation.”
To date Tate holds seven paintings, 23 works on paper and 111 prints by Ruscha. The donated works so far include Jet Baby, 2011, Wall Rocket, 2013 and Sponge Puddle, 2015 – all landscapes overlaid with graphic lettering, which show Ruscha as an accomplished printmaker.
The artist, who turns 78 tomorrow, described it as a “great honour” to know his print editions would find a home at the Tate.