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The Paul Mellon Centre is an educational charity and research centre that champions new ways of understanding British art history and culture. We publish, teach, and carry out research, both in London at the Centre and through our online platforms. Our archives, library, and lively events programme are open to researchers, students, and the public. The Centre’s grants and fellowships enable institutions and individuals to pursue exhibitions, publications, events, and scholarly projects. Through all areas of our work, we promote activities that enhance and expand knowledge about British art. The Centre was founded in 1970 by art collector and philanthropist Paul Mellon, and is part of Yale University and partner to the Yale Centre for British Art.

The Centre collects material concerning British art and architecture of all periods with particular focus on the Middle Ages to the present day. It is also a specialist archive repository collecting the papers of art historians.

Particular subject strengths are: British artists; collecting and patronage; the Grand Tour; the study of art history in the UK; collections of British art; and the country house.

The main emphasis is on the art and architecture of the British Isles, including Ireland; however, material on artists working in the British tradition throughout the world is also acquired.