English Heritage is responsible for the care and presentation of an outstanding national collection of fine and decorative art, social history and archaeological artefacts from over 400 historic properties across England. Osborne House was built for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in order to provide the royal couple with a home where they could enjoy periods of private family life away from the pressures of public life in London and Windsor. The house was largely designed by Prince Albert and was constructed by the London builder, Thomas Cubitt between 1845 and 1851. The collection of pictures, sculpture, furniture and decorative arts which remain part of the Royal Collection was assembled jointly by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with many items being personal gifts from one to the other on special occasions. Many of these items were acquired specifically for Osborne and most survive "in situ". The house and its collection provide the best surviving examples of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's tastes as collectors.