'Three Years' by Daniel Bugg

'Three Years', by Daniel Bugg

Loughborough University showcases art collection at upcoming exhibition

Loughborough University will be inviting staff, students and members of the public to an exhibition displaying the rich and varied collection of arts and crafts across campus.

Painting of Claudia Parsons, by Margaret Palmer

Oil painting of Claudia Parsons, by Margaret Palmer

Running from 12 – 22 August, Unlocking the Collection will feature sculptures, portraits, landscape paintings, textiles, prints and even furniture.

The work displayed has been made by well-known artists and former staff and students of Loughborough University. It will include a stunning print by renowned artist Bridget Riley, who also helped found a course at Loughborough back in 1959 prior to its university status.

The exhibition – which will be held in the Martin Hall Exhibition Space – has been curated by two postgraduate students from the University of Leicester, who have undertaken a summer placement with LU Arts.

Luqi Liao and Jessica Cole, who study Art Museum and Gallery Studies, started working at Loughborough in July to gain experience before finishing their studies. They have been reviewing and cataloguing the University’s art collection across campus and gathered items for the exhibition. 

Talking about the upcoming event, they said: “The exhibition aims to raise awareness of the collection and encourage people to take a step further and acknowledge its complexity, history and contemporary value in order to promote discussion surrounding its development and future.

“It will provide a space to question, debate and challenge the strengths and limitations of a university collection that continues to expand.”

New works regularly enter the University’s collection, through initiatives such as the Edward Sharp Prize which celebrates the outstanding work of students from the University’s Arts Degree Show, as well as pieces commissioned by LU Arts.

David Bell, LU Arts Programme Coordinator, added: “After a thorough cataloguing exercise this summer, we’re now working on improving interpretation and restoring some works to their full glory so that the University’s students, staff and visitors can appreciate the work in our collection even more.”

There will be an official opening of the display on Monday 12 August from 4pm-6pm, which all are welcome to attend.

The exhibition can then be visited from 12pm-2pm on the following dates:

  • Wednesday 14 August
  • Friday 16 August
  • Monday 19 August
  • Tuesday 20 August
  • Thursday 22 August

For more information about the University’s artwork available for public or private display, please contact LU Arts by emailing luarts@lboro.ac.uk.

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