History of Art

Director of Studies: Dr Anna Gannon

Studying History of Art at Cambridge means not only to be taught by distinguished scholars who are the leaders in their field and dedicated both to their research and to their teaching, but also to have first-hand experience of Cambridge's important holdings of art and architecture, of the past as well as of today. Indeed, Cambridge and its Colleges boast an amazing array of architectural statements and styles and unique artistic treasures - and offer the opportunity of learning and working in an inspiring academic environment.

Some of the seminars, lectures and supervisions will be al fresco, amongst some of the finest and historically interesting buildings; others will take place amongst treasures: not only at the Fitzwilliam Museum (the University museum), justly renowned for its wide ranging collection of books and manuscripts, paintings, prints and artifacts of international importance, but also at one of its departments in Whittlesford - the Hamilton Kerr Institute of picture conservation. Other venues include the University Library, which in addition to 6 million books, holds an important collection of medieval manuscripts, and various college libraries with their own impressive collections. Rare editions of architectural treatises can be seen first-hand in the Department Library, and casts of classical statues at the Museum of Classical Archaeology: indeed, exquisite surprises are to be met with - and studied - everywhere in Cambridge. Amongst these special places is Kettle's Yard. Away from the noise and crowds of the beaten track, perched on Castle Hill, just round the corner from Fitzwilliam College, Kettle's Yard is not an art gallery or museum, but, in the words of its erstwhile owner Jim Ede, 'a way of life'. As a History of Art student at Fitzwilliam College, you will be very welcome there at 'open house' time, exploring the principle of art as part of everyday experience through the University.

History of Art is one of the smaller subjects, with one or two students admitted to Fitzwilliam each year - a small number typical of other undergraduate colleges.

Further information on this subject can be found on the Department of History of Art webpage.

Dr Anna Gannon, Director of Studies http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/dept/coins/staff/ag335.html