Sainsbury Centre – SFCT at 50

In 1973, Robert and Lisa Sainsbury gave over 400 works from their extensive art collection to the University of East Anglia. Over the years they had collected art and antiquities from across the world. The collection included prehistorical artefacts, 20th century ceramics, and work from then little-known young artists Henry Moore, Francis Bacon and Alberto Giacometti.

For Robert and Lisa, it was crucial that art be engaged with. When first approaching institutions to house the collection, they were met with the strict categories of the traditional gallery – collected by time, period, and culture – which they felt limited the potential for engagement and curiosity. However, when they met the Vice-Chancellor of the University of East Anglia, Frank Thistlethwaite, their shared purpose was immediately clear. The newly opened university seemed the perfect place to house a new, rule- breaking centre of art.

Sainsbury Centre exterior. Credit: Pete Huggins

An innovative building was needed to situate the collection – and in 1974 the couple commissioned architect Norman Foster to design the Sainsbury Centre. The steel lattice, high-tech structure would become globally influential in museum design, helping establish new arts and cultural centres as modern, independent landmarks.

The building’s open-plan design means that visitors can take ownership of their own journey through the space. The collection itself is laid out in an almost domestic setting, so that visitors can view the works closely and walk around them, with minimal cases and labels. Art museums can be intimidating or sermonising – Robert and Lisa wanted to make everyone welcome. Alongside the Sainsbury collection, the Centre houses the University’s Abstract and Constructivist Collection, plus new exhibitions. A key part of the couple’s vision was equality of platform and voice, regardless of when and where artworks were made – and this approach continues today. It remains a thriving artistic nexus, inviting everyone to engage – from school visits to international art history research at the Sainsbury Research Unit.

The Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Charitable Trust has since closed, but the Gatsby Charitable Foundation continues to support the Sainsbury Centre. The risk-taking vision of Robert and Lisa still shapes the direction of the Centre – a legacy of radical intent and art without barriers.