University of Reading art works shared on app

The university has 1500 items in its art collection

Author: Jonathan RichardsPublished 29th Oct 2024

Internationally important artworks in the University of Reading Art Collection have been made available globally online for the first time.

A new digital guide has been launched in collaboration with Bloomberg Connects, a free arts and culture app.

The digital guide includes key works of art from the collection by Peter Paul Rubens, Minnie Jane Hardman, Gwen John, Walter Sickert, Max Weber and Leon Kossoff. The app uses Google Translate to make its content accessible in more than 30 languages.

The University of Reading Art Collection contains approximately 1,500 artworks, including paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, and digital art, spanning from the 16th century to the present day. Much of the collection is on display around the University of Reading’s Whiteknights, London Road, and Greenlands campuses.

Access

Dr Hannah Lyons, Curator of the University Art Collections, said:

“Our partnership with Bloomberg means everyone can access the University’s art collection, whether on-site or from home.

“Through photos, audio, text, maps and videos, this free and accessible resource opens our art collection for the world to enjoy.”

The University of Reading Art Collection guide features:

Key highlights, exploring different artists and media

Audio and video insights

Past and current art exhibitions

History and map of St Andrews Hall, designed by pioneering Victorian architect, Alfred Waterhouse

The recently launched ‘Art on Campus’ map, focused on Whiteknights campus

Extensive

Kate Arnold-Forster, Director of the University Museum and Special Collections Services, said:

“It is fantastic to be able to share our extensive art collection with people around the world, through this new digital guide.

“The app will also improve the experience for people visiting our campuses, with an interactive map that allows for self-guided art tours of Whiteknights Campus. Visitors can walk around and listen to recordings from curators, past and present, sharing insights on the artworks in the collection.”

The University joins more than 450 global cultural institutions from 24 countries with digital guides on the app.

The new University of Reading Art Collection digital guide is now available here

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