<I>In Search of a Masterpiece</I> is a personal selection of paintings that Christopher Lloyd has come across and enjoyed in public collections during the course of his career, and its purpose is to encourage others to visit galleries and museums and enjoy the same and further pleasures.

The search begins in London, but very much lies further afield, including some surprises and many pictures of marvellous quality: a learned and enthusiastic guide, Christopher Lloyd leads us through the regions of England and on to Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Throughout, short outlines are given of the history of the museums and galleries from which the selection is made. In the course of the journey he introduces 266 paintings by a host of artists from different centuries and countries, from c.1300 to the present day. Some of the works are world-famous, while others are exciting discoveries that a visitor might well miss. Each entry includes an account of the artist.