Gwyn Hanssen Pigott was a major figure in the field of international studio ceramics, whose work was characterised by its clarity and calm. From the mid-1980s she began to group apparently functional wares, in the form of bottles, beakers, cups and bowls, into sculptural still-life sequences of timeless purity, a move in the direction of fine art, seen at its most ambitious in her 55ft installation Caravan, shown at Tate St Ives in 2004.

'It's thrilling to see the British tradition of political engagement in theatre alive and well'

A woman has been held in London for a 'protest against the family courts system' just weeks after a portrait of the Queen was vandalised

Attack comes after a painting of the queen by Ralph Heimans was vandalised with spray paint in Westminster Abbey

Constable's masterpiece The Hay Wain has been attacked by a protester in the National Gallery.

Two days of strike action at museums and galleries across Britain has begun in a long-running row over jobs, pay and pensions.

This unusual novel of art, solitude and imagination breaks the rules but creates a vision of its own

Industrial action this week is part of a three month campaign culminating in a national walkout at the end of June

V&A Museum, London

Cuts mean that private patrons are more valuable than ever

There's a very national flavour to the triumphant and long overdue relaunch of Holland's great museum. Just watch out for the bikes ....

National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC

One of the greatest collections of Italian Baroque paintings in the world has been gifted to museums and galleries across Britain – but the works will be withdrawn if the institutions ever charge the public to see them.

A self-portrait defaced by the artist after an onlooker called it "flattering" is going on display at the National Portrait Gallery complete with slash marks.