Written Question·Cabinet Office·UIN 108796

10 Downing Street: Artworks

Tabled: 27 January 2026
Answered: 2 February 2026
Named Day

Question

Mr Richard Holden

Conservative — Basildon and Billericay

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.

Answer

Nick Thomas-Symonds
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 Governm...
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