Massey Collection of English Painting

The Massey Collection was assembled between 1935 and 1946 by Vincent Massey (1887-1967) who during that period was the Canadian High Commissioner to in London. He was a passionate supporter of the arts, chaired the board of the National Gallery, London, and was instrumental in establishing the Canada Council. He was later Governor-General of Canada.

In 1946 he donated his collection to the National Gallery of Canada with the stipulation that it should tour widely.