University Art Collection goes international

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

A new digital guide has been launched in collaboration with Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies. 

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.

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 on Bloomberg Connects 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

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. Bloomberg Connects

“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 Bloomberg Connects. The app is part of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ longstanding commitment to supporting digital innovation in the arts. Bloomberg Connects makes it easy to access and engage with arts and culture from mobile devices when visiting in person, or anytime from anywhere. 

The new University of Reading Art Collection digital guide is now available on Bloomberg Connects.