On 4 April, we welcomed back to the Blake Studio the Norfolk Contemporary Arts Society (n-cas) for their latest lecture. This was part of our series of public lectures on cultural matters held on the school site in conjunction with partner institutions.
A large audience of n-cas members, staff, parents, pupils and alumni were treated to a fascinating talk given by Harriet Loffler, curator of the fabulous Women’s Art Collection at Murray Edwards College, Cambridge. Harriet explained that the College houses Europe’s largest collection of art by women. It includes 600 works by leading artists such as Barbara Hepworth and Tracey Emin.
Founded in the early 1990s, the Collection challenges the under-representation of women artists in museums and galleries. The Collection is displayed in an iconic and very striking Brutalist building constructed in the 1960s by the same architects responsible for the Barbican in London. Works of art are hung throughout the public rooms and corridors, with sculptures forming part of the College’s beautiful gardens. The museum’s aim is to celebrate and support women artists, giving them visibility and a voice. Entry is free and open all year round, despite being a working Cambridge college (former known as New Hall). See: Home | The Women's Art Collection Website.
Prior to joining the College, Harriet was Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery from 2009 – 2018 and demonstrated her rich pedigree in the arts world; she was an excellent guide, particularly in voicing her plea for more women’s art to be on display in collections worldwide, where there is a woefully shocking under-representation. The audience enjoyed interacting with Harriet over refreshments at the end of the talk.
Dates for the diary:
- Our next n-cas talk is to be given by Hazel Soper where she will be sharing thoughts on her recent, visually striking exhibition at the OUTPOST gallery in Norwich. All are welcome (pupils free). 9 May in Blake Studio - 19:00-21:00
- For those unable to wait that long for cultural stimulation, our very own Dr Anthony Speca FRGS FRSA – educator, geographer, philosopher and Arctic specialist – returns to the podium with the Royal Geographical Society following his sell-out lecture in 2019, where he will be speaking on ‘Arctic political geography(-ies)’. Russia governs half the Arctic, one of the world’s most important places. Join us for a fascinating exploration of Arctic geopolitics, in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the pressing challenges of climate change. Blake Studio – Monday 24 April – 19:30 start – all welcome (pupils free).
