Photograph: Shutterstock / Time Out | The PM wants to see a Picasso displayed in London

Andy Burnham reveals which major artwork he wants to come to the UK

by · Time Out London

It’s a historic day for Britain today, as the Bayeux Tapestry has gone on view to the public for the first time in almost 1,000 years. Displayed at the British Museum, tickets to see the medieval embroidery at this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition are already sold out until 2027. 

But, with the help of our country’s democratically elected leader, we’re looking ahead. Which world-famous, mind-melting masterpiece should be displayed in Old Blighty next? 

In an exclusive interview with Time Out, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he would next like to see Picasso’s Guernica displayed in the UK. 

Speaking at the unveiling of the Bayeux Tapestry, Burnham said: ‘I would love to see Guernica come to London. I love it as a piece of social history. It’s an incredibly powerful work of art.’

I might try and pull a string or two

The 1937 Picasso oil painting depicts a horrifying scene inspired by the Spanish civil war and is one of the most famous works of art in the world – it’s been displayed at the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid since 1992. But the painting travelling to the UK is not a total impossibility. 

Photograph: Shutterstock‘Guernica’ has been housed at the Museo Reina Sofia since 1992

‘I do know the people at the Reina Sofía, so who knows? I might try and pull a string or two out there,’ Burnham said. 

Looking closer to home, the King of the North added that he’d also love to see a painting by LS Lowry on show in the capital. 

‘It’s called Going to the Match, which is at the Lowry arts centre in Manchester. I may have enough powers of persuasion to ask them to loan it. They may be worried that London wouldn’t send it back, but I’ll give them the assurance that it will come back.’

Andy Burnham reveals the three London pubs he’ll always love. 

ICYMI: A major new Katsushika Hokusai exhibition is opening in London next month. 

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