Titled ‘‘Now You See Us: Women Artists in Britain 1520-1920’’, the exhibition celebrates the female artists that once captivated the British public before their names faded from view.

Tabitha Barber, the curator of British art at Tate Britain said: “I think people will be incredibly surprised that from the 16th century through to the early 20th century, women have always been part of the art world in Britain. They are not genteel women who painted as an accomplishment. Every single woman in the show was well known in their day, and they pursued art as a profession and a livelihood.’’

Copious as their talent was, few have enjoyed a legacy that’s lasted - this, says Barber, relates entirely to their gender. “That is our real message,” she said. “Despite the fact that they occupied the same art world as men, they experienced it differently because they were women.’’

Mapped out in chronological order, earlier works include 17th century artist Artemisia Gentileschi whose more lauded works were created in the court of King Charles I.

Yet despite this linear mode of presentation, narrative threads are also in evidence: for instance, there is a focus on artists that pushed for women’s rights, including Angelica Kauffman who campaigned for women to be allowed into the Royal Academy.

The 20th century room, meanwhile, is a powerful tribute to the skills of Anna Airy, Britain’s first official war artist. Painting in munitions factories, her works are regarded as pioneering.

‘’There are very vivid descriptions of her standing in these factories, so hot - her shoes burning. They are painted on such a scale… we all know who the male war artists were but we never hear about Anna Airy,'' Barber said.

Presenting around 100 artists in all, Barber hopes that the exhibition gives a voice for the female talents that have been marginalized by both history and their times.

''I am hoping that the exhibition is a statement of intent that for so long women have been marginalized and not recognized, kept out of museum collections,” she said. “We're hoping that this time it's different.

Now You See Us opens on May 16th and will run until October 13.