Campus Art Collection

History

Founded alongside the University itself in 1900, the collection began life as a series of portraits of distinguished University figures in oil, marble, and bronze. It has expanded dramatically since.

Through commission, purchase, loan and gifting, the art collection is now home to work from brilliant, trailblazing modern and contemporary artists.

Over the years artists such as Peter Lanyon (1918-1964), John Walker (b. 1939), Peter Randall-Page (b.1954) and Eduardo Paolozzi (1924-2005) have created unique and exceptional works for the University, responding to the campus surroundings.

Artworks

A particularly significant piece is the portrait of ʿAbd al-Wāḥid bin Masʿūd bin Muḥammad bin ʿAnūrī, Secretary and Ambassador for Muley Hamet, King of Barbary, to Queen Elizabeth I.

The 17th century oil painting is thought to be the earliest portrait of a person of Islamic faith painted in England. Some scholars have suggested the ambassador, who visited London to develop trade and diplomatic links, inspired Shakespeare’s character Othello.

The collection also features works by renowned British artists including:

• John Bratby (1928-1992)
• Barbara Hepworth (1903-1975)
• Sonia Lawson (1938-2014)
• Jacob Epstein ((1880-1959)
• Vanley Burke (b. 1951)

On Display

You can discover the campus art collection all over campus. Many of our artworks are listed on ArtUK, and if you want to see something specific you can get in touch.

Explore the campus sculpture collection with our Public Sculpture Trail.

For information about the history of the collection and collecting practices, see our  Collections Development Policy.