The UAL Art Collection seeks to capture the energy of practice across UAL's many disciplines and support the work of artists after they have left the University. The Collection dates back to 1987, when the colleges of the University were first brought together, and charts the University's story, and that of its talented students and graduates. It consists of more than 850 pieces of work in a wide variety of media, from painting to photography. Pieces are bought by the collection manager with the guidance and consideration of course leaders, tutors and Heads of College and purchased from students at their degree shows and from studios and exhibitions after they graduate, giving artists a boost early in their career. UAL Art Collection artists include Clyde Hopkins, Toby Ziegler, Andrew Grassie, Mona Hatoum, Mark Titchner, Tom Hunter and Yinka Shonibare.