More than 3,000 people have enjoyed the Pop Art to Britart exhibition since it opened at Lakeside Arts Centre at the end of November.

The show, from the private collection of Carphone Warehouse boss David Ross, includes works by Pop Art figures such as David Hockney and Peter Blake, through to pieces by Marc Quinn and Damien Hirst.

Following the success of the record-breaking LS Lowry exhibition at Lakeside in 2011, Pop Art to Britart is also on course to attract thousands of visitors, again drawn to a remarkable opportunity to see a unique collection.

Sir Nicholas Serota, Director, Tate, who opened the exhibition, said: “The collection of David Ross is one of the most important collections of modern British art in the UK. Chosen with real discrimination, each of the works is a fine example, and several of the artists are represented by outstanding paintings. The exhibition fills the galleries with vibrant colour and presents a compelling account of British art over a 50-year period.”

Mr Ross is a member of the University Council and his funding of Nottingham Potential is helping transform lives by helping less advantaged young people reach university. He is co-chair of the Impact: The Nottingham Campaign, and news of its £100m fundraising milestone was announced at the exhibition’s launch.

Vice Chancellor Professor David Greenaway said: “It is wonderful to see art of this quality at Lakeside for our staff and students to enjoy, as well as the tens of thousands of visitors it will attract to Nottingham.”

Lakeside Director Shona Powell said: “I’d like to thank David Ross for his extraordinary generosity in sharing his treasured possessions in this very public way, so that Lakeside’s audiences have this unique experience to enjoy such an exceptional collection.”

Pop Art to Britart, Modern Masters from the David Ross Collection, is at Djanogly Art Gallery, Lakeside Arts Centre, until Sunday 9 February.