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Exhibiting students

27 May 2004

./museum-display.jpg" width="225" height="300" alt="Through Ancient Eyes: Art and Image in the Ancient World on display in the foyer of the Institute of Archaeology, Gordon Square" class="float-right" title="The 'Through Ancient Eyes' display">

Students from UCL's MA in Museum Studies programme have curated two new exhibitions as part of their studies. 'Portraits of Innovation: The Human Face of UCL's Collections' is now on display in the North Cloisters and 'Through Ancient Eyes: Art and Image in the Ancient World' can be seen in the foyer of the Institute of Archaeology in Gordon Square.

'Portraits of Innovation' examines the human side of UCL's collections by bringing the individuals who created and cared for them to the fore. The links between teaching, research and collecting are highlighted in a series of displays which combine words, pictures and objects. For example, 'Influencing Art' looks at the evolution of life drawing and teaching at the Slade through the work of former teachers such as Augustus John and Henry Tonks, while 'New Era in Zoology' examines the history of the Grant Museum of Zoology & Comparative Anatomy.

'Through Ancient Eyes' explores the relationship between art, function, image and pleasure in the ancient world. The exhibition questions whether ancient people saw their creations as works of art in the same way we view them today, or merely as functional objects. The artefacts on display include pots and vases from Ancient Greece, stone carvings from Egypt and religious artefacts from throughout the ancient world.

The exhibitions are an integral part of the MA in Museum Studies programme and provide the students with an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience of curating exhibitions. Each student takes on a different curatorial role, reflecting their career interests, which range from Content Director to Conservation Officer. Ms Claire Henry, Project Manager for the 'Portraits of Innovation' exhibition, said: "I acquired extensive skills which I previously had no experience of and certainly feel more confident applying for a new job this September."

Ms Rowan De Saulles, Publicity and Sponsorship Manager, added: "I gained valuable commercial skills, such as negotiation and marketing, which are essential in the highly competitive world of museum curating."

Both exhibitions, which are on display for 12 months, act as a showcase for the diversity and quality of UCL's collections and will allow students, staff and visitors the opportunity to view works which are not normally easily accessible.

Images: Top - 'Through Ancient Eyes: Art and Image in the Ancient World' on display in the foyer of the Institute of Archaeology, Gordon Square. Bottom - Rowan De Saulles, Erica Nunn, Claire Henry, Lucy Davison, Cecilia Pardo and Nicky Tsianti from 'Portraits of Innovation: The Human Face of UCL's Collections team'.

To find out more about the MA in Museum Studies, or the exhibitions, use the link below.


Link: MA in Museum Studies