News and Events

Collection marks decade of art on campus

3 November 2008

BU's Art Loan Collection is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Over the last decade we have displayed the paintings, sculptures and ceramics of 100 artists in the main reception areas and the grounds of Talbot Campus.

This year’s collection was formally opened by former Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Paul Light, in the presence of contributing artists and other supporters. Professor Light worked with Secretary and Registrar Noel Richardson and University Curator Julie Herring to initiate the collection.

Professor Light said: “The Art Loan Collection has helped BU to raise its profile locally and provide a richer, more stimulating environment for its students and staff.

“BU can certainly claim to have art at its heart in a way it didn’t ten years ago, as the collection has vastly improved the many ways which the University engages actively with the artistic community.”

Most of the artists who have loaned their art to us over the years have Dorset connections with many having national and international reputations including Sir Anthony Caro, the late Dame Elisabeth Frink and Alastair Michie, recipient of an Honorary Doctorate in 2001, who died earlier this year.

The opening of this year’s Art Loan Collection coincided with the dedication of a special retrospective exhibition of paintings by Michael Gough. These paintings remain on display in the University’s Thomas Hardy Suite over the coming year.

The Art Loan Collection is available to view free of charge on Talbot Campus. The current collection continues on display until the summer of 2009.

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