Pallant House art gallery in Chichester has received a substantial gift from the architect who designed the British Library, Sir Colin St John Wilson.

The donation, made through the National Art Collections Fund (NACF), includes 600 works by some of the most recognised names in modern British art.

It will be one of the largest gifts ever made through the NACF and includes works by Lucien Freud, Walter Sickert, Peter Blake, Patrick Caufield and Prunella Clough.

Most of the artists are professor Wilson’s personal friends and the collection has been built up over the past fifty years – acquired directly from the artists themselves.

Overall, the gift is expected to be worth tens of millions of pounds.

Professor Wilson said: “I can’t wait to see this collection all together. It has been very carefully structured and I hope that will come across as a plus.”

“I am delighted to be able to make this gift through the Art Fund, as they can guarantee that the collection is protected in perpetuity against the vagaries of art politics, both local and national,” he said.

The Pallant house is currently closed for refurbishment and the construction of a new wing.

The gallery is expected to reopen later this summer. Details: www.pallant.org.uk