The establishment of the University of Liverpool’s Art Collection and the founding of Liverpool University were simultaneous in 1881. The gifts and bequests made by members and benefactors of the university are valued very highly. Some works have been deliberately acquired, sometimes by gift and usually with generous amounts of grant aid during the late 1950s to the present day. The result is a mixture, though mostly British and made since the 17th century containing sculpture, paintings, watercolours, drawings, prints, furniture ceramics, silver and glass. There is also a fine collection of Greek and Russian icons from the 16th to 19th centuries which is much valued. A lot of the collection is displayed in the various university departments, but since 1977 many of the best pieces are shown in the Victoria Gallery and Museum.