Tate given giant spider

One of the most popular works ever seen at Tate Modern has been given to the gallery.

Louise Bourgeois's giant spider sculpture, Maman, has been donated by the artist and an anonymous benefactor.

The steel and marble work, more than nine metres high, is the largest of a series produced by the 96-year-old French-American artist.

It was seen at Tate Modern in its opening year and then cast in an edition of six bronzes.

One, pictured, is towering outside the gallery as part of a retrospective exhibition of her work that runs until 20 January.

Vicente Todoli, the gallery's director, said the acquisition was "an historic moment for Tate".