The Pier Arts Centre in Stromness houses a remarkable collection of 20th-century British art including key works by Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson, among others. Its founder Margaret Gardiner (1904–2005) was a close friend of many of the artists represented. Her decision to give a large part of her collection to Orkney led to the opening of the Centre in 1979. The Gallery also presents a programme of local, national and international exhibitions.