The collection is stored in a purpose-built facility with designated rooms for works on paper, textiles, black and white photographic negatives, ceramics, and paintings. Recently the Gallery presented a survey exhibition focusing on the past 40 years of collection practice.
The Gallery was founded in 1966 as a private gallery, known as The Little Gallery, by Jean Thomas. In 1978, the Devonport City Council took over total responsibility for its operation, and in 1984 the Gallery moved to its current premises, a converted Baptist Church c1904, in
