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Written question asked by Lord Freyberg (Crossbench) on Thursday, 11 September 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 September 2025. It was answered by Baroness Twycross (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 September 2025 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.


Government Art Collection: Copyright

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Government Art Collection claims copyright in their digital reproductions of two-dimensional original artworks that are in the public domain.

Answer

The Government Art Collection (GAC) does not assert Crown Copyright over images of 2D original artworks in the Collection, where the image has been taken by its employees (i.e. Civil Servants). This is a recent change in approach to copyright assertion, with all affected documentation in the process of being updated.

GAC continues to license images for commercial and non-commercial use through a contractual agreement.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL10442
Session
2024-26
Related items
Government Art Collection: Copyright
Thursday, 2 October 2025
Written questions
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Government Art Collection: Copyright
Thursday, 2 October 2025
Written questions
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Government Art Collection: Copyright
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Written questions
House of Lords
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Artworks Copyright Government Art Collection
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk