A PROMINENT collection of works by artists including Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud have been donated to Essex University.

The 20th and 21st century British art has been donated by collectors Robert Priseman and Alex Seabrook.

They have loaned 110 works to the university for ten years, offering opportunities for curatorial studies students to manage, handle, curate and loan works of art.

The selection of artworks will be held in the Special Collections at the University’s Albert Sloman Library.

It includes the pieces Windrush by Wendy Elia, The Golden Mile by Tracey Emin, and Two Apples and One Lemon and Four Flowers, a lithograph by David Hockney.

There are also works by Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud, Robert Priseman himself and two pieces by Colchester-based artist Simon Carter.

The collection also includes works from the Priseman Seabrook Collection of 21st Century British Painting, the only art collection dedicated to British painting after 2000.

Mr Priseman said: “The germ dates back to when I co-curated an exhibition marking the 25th anniversary of Michael Peppiatt’s seminal show A School of London.

“I asked Michael whether he thought British painting was still relevant and his reply was ‘I think that’s a job for you’ to find out.’

“That conversation inspired me to research thousands of practicing painters and co-create the Contemporary British Painting group which is now internationally known and respected.”

Ms Seabrook said the pair wanted to prove painting is not dead.

Sarah Demelo, curator of the University Art Collections, added: “The extraordinary generosity of Alex and Robert’s loan of artworks will allow us to enrich and expand upon the artistic experience here at Essex.”

Dr Gavin Grindon, from the university’s School of Philosophy and Art History, explained the opportunities this new collection offers for students.

He said: “We have a very practical and object-based approach to teaching art history and curating.

“Our students learn the process of making exhibitions live on campus and through placements with external partners.

“As well as the theoretical and academic side they learn professional skills in handling, archiving and working with artworks, and our students have gone on to work in various museums and galleries.

“So it’s very exciting to be able to use these varied and interesting new works in the classroom with students and in exhibitions around campus.”