10 Downing Street: Artworks
(asked on 27th January 2026) - View Source
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, for what reason the portrait of William Shakespeare was removed from the Pillared Room in 10 Downing Street.
This question was answered on 2nd February 2026
The Government Art Collection is a working collection, used across government buildings in the UK and the global estate, which means that artworks may change their display location from time to time. The portrait was pre-planned to be moved by the Government Art Collection prior to the General Election in July 2024.