The UAL 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 serves as a collection that charts the University's story, and that of its talented students and graduates. It consists of more than 700 pieces of work in a wide variety of media, from painting to photography. Pieces are bought by the collection curators 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. Collection artists include Rut Blees Luxemburg, Toby Ziegler, Mona Hatoum, Mark Titcher, Tom Hunter and Yinka Shonibare.