The Department of Art History, Curating and Visual Studies provides a prestigious learning environment in the Barber Institute of Fine Arts to ensure a first-rate student experience.

Photograph of students in the Barber Institute

The gallery has a collection of over 150 paintings, stunning pastels and watercolours by artists such as Monet, Magritte, Renoir, Botticelli, Turner and Van Gogh.

Our students also have access to more than 800 drawings and prints, a fine collection of sculptures - including works by Degas and Roubiliac - decorative art and portrait miniatures. In addition, the Barber also has one of the finest collections of Roman, Byzantine and Medieval coins in the world.

"My favourite module is probably Object and Medium. It focuses on the materials used and the processes involved in making pieces of art and a lot of the teaching for it takes place in the Barber. It’s really exciting to see the things you have been learning explained on works you can see in the flesh."
Rebecca Savage, BA History of Art

This world-class gallery show our commitment to providing students with the best possible learning environment to ensure their success, both academically and in their future careers.