Phil Gibby from Arts Council England said: “We know museums and galleries provide a vital space for the public to discover the past, engage with the present, and imagine new possibilities for the future.”
“The same is true online and once digitised, each work will be preserved for both local and international audiences to enjoy,” he added.
The project, which is being carried out in partnership with Southampton Solent University, is due to be finished by early 2026.
Its completion will coincide with the end of refurbishment works at the gallery.
It is hoped the digitised images will be used to maintain the gallery’s visibility, with virtual exhibitions being run on its website.