Art and collections
We care for one of the world's largest and most significant collections of art and heritage objects. Explore the highlights, our latest major exhibitions, curatorial research and more.
Loaning items to exhibitions
We lend paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, ceramics and furniture to museums and galleries around the world, so they can be enjoyed by millions of visitors. Discover where some of the items we care for are displayed, and find out about our loans procedure.
Recent loans
George Stubbs The Reapers on display at The Science Museum, London
Marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Becoming America: How Science Shaped a Nation will uncover the science that shaped and was shaped by land, peoples and power towards the emergence of the United States. The Reapers by Stubbs will highlight the similarities in Anglo-American agriculture and the engagement of George Washington and King George III in their respective estates of Mount Vernon and Windsor.
Becoming America: How Science Shaped a Nation is on at the Science Museum London from 23 October 2026 until 25 April 2027.
Wright of Derby: From the Shadows
Following a successful display at the National Gallery this exhibition has travelled to Derby to be displayed in the hometown of the artist. This is the first major exhibition dedicated to the British artist’s ‘candlelight’ paintings. With over twenty works, including paintings, mezzotints, works on paper and objects the exhibition explores both Wright of Derby’s artistic practice and the historic context of scientific and artistic development in which they were made. The sculpture on loan from the National Trust appears alongside Three Persons Viewing the Gladiator by Candlelight (private collection), introducing the themes of learning and instruction depicted throughout Wright’s series of candlelight scenes.
Wright of Derby: From the Shadows is on at Derby Museum and Art Gallery from 13th June 2026 until 1st November 2026.
National Trust loans out procedure
Loans to exhibitions are regarded as a significant factor in providing access to Trust collections. The registrar team are happy to advise about the selection and availability of objects for loan, but we suggest preliminary research should be carried out at least a year in advance.
Discover more about how to request to loan an object for an exhibition, which objects are elegible and the processes and policies in place.
Read more about our loans out procedure
National Trust loans out terms and conditions
Loans are approved by the Loans Board, which meets four times a year.
You might also be interested in
Our latest collection acquisitions
Discover some of our most recent acquisitions and the stories behind them, from paintings and objects kindly donated to us, to others purchased at nail-biting auctions.
Cultural Heritage Publishing
We publish two illustrated research journals every year, containing expert insights into our places and collections, curatorial content, and the latest conservation news.
12 golden objects to see up close
From goldwork and gilding to goldsmithing and jewellery making, discover the ways in which gold has been used in the objects in our collections.
Celebrating 125 treasures in our collections
Discover the stories behind some of the greatest artworks and artefacts looked after by the National Trust, as told in a dedicated book, 125 Treasures from the Collections of the National Trust.
