This is a really interesting and meticulously researched account of Britain’s public art galleries, from the very first ones to today – how they came into being, the motivations behind their founding, the controversies that often accompanied their founding, and the way in which they developed. It’s all written in a fairly dry academic style, although perfectly accessible, and I found the subject matter deeply fascinating and look forward to visiting at least some of the galleries again now I know so much more about their inception. Essential reading for all art lovers and gallery visitors.