Welcome to Objects in Focus at the VG&M
This Blog will focus on individual objects from our extensive fine and decorative art collections and the museum heritage collections. You will be regulary treated to an in-depth look into both familiar and unfamiliar artworks and objects, discovering some of the secrets and stories behind them.
You might recognise some objects from display, but others from departmental teaching collections will be seen publicly for the first time.
A Snippet of India
Posted on: 3 May 2022 | Category: 2022
Pictured above is one of a series of thirty photographs depicting Indian landscapes and buildings within the collection at the VG&M. This collection, previously unresearched, demonstrates a snapshot into Indian architecture and landscapes in the late Victorian period.
Richard Ansdell: Painter of Fur, Feathers and Woolliness
Posted on: 15 April 2022 | Category: 2022
Liverpool-born artist Richard Ansdell rose to the top of his profession on the strength of his ability to paint animals, but one creature was his absolute favourite: sheep.
The Wartime Watch
Posted on: 18 March 2022 | Category: 2022
Our clock tower played an important role during World War Two and this blog takes a closer look at what happened 81 years ago, in March 1941.
“Unclouded Skies of Brilliant Azure”: The work of Caroline Emily Gray Hill
Posted on: 8 March 2022 | Category: 2022
Pictured above is the artwork that captured my imagination and led me to write this article and find out the story of the artist. It’s subtle and economic brush marks placed against the vivid colours and simple composition produces a wonderful effect. The capturing of a moment, without over or underworking the image is what I find inherently enthralling. Being a Victorian woman, her story is also a fascinating look into women’s rights of the era.
Linda Stein: Gender and Sexuality in Art
Posted on: 25 February 2022 | Category: 2022
To celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month in February, this blog recognises the work of the American artist Linda Stein, and the influences upon her art having grown up during the time of LGBTQ+ struggles.
A Victorian Valentine – Balconies and Beau’s
Posted on: 14 February 2022 | Category: 2022
It’s the month of February and love is all around! If you look at our tiles, the majority are still in pristine condition after almost 130 years but there’s one particular section of the building where some worn tiles can tell us a Victorian love story.
The Students and the Sphinx
Posted on: 21 January 2022 | Category: 2022
In our previous VG&M building history blogs, we have looked at the construction and opening of the Victoria Building so now we delve into the Sphinx Magazine to find out what the students really thought of their brand-new building.
Hannah Barlow: Decorating with Animals
Posted on: 24 December 2021 | Category: 2021
One of the most magnificent artworks in our collection is a large vase decorated with a frieze of lions all the way round it. They were drawn freehand by a remarkable artist who overcame physical and financial adversity to rise to the top of her profession: Hannah Barlow.
A Warm Welcome with a Biscuit
Posted on: 10 December 2021 | Category: 2021
In our previous Victoria Building history blog we found out more about the construction of the Victoria Building and that after many delays, it finally opened publicly on the 13th December 1892. In this blog we find out more about the eventful opening ceremony that happened on the following evening.
Blog
A Snippet of India
Posted on: 3 May 2022 | Category: 2022
Pictured above is one of a series of thirty photographs depicting Indian landscapes and buildings within the collection at the VG&M. This collection, previously unresearched, demonstrates a snapshot into Indian architecture and landscapes in the late Victorian period.
Disclaimer
We try to ensure that the information provided on our blog is accurate and that appropriate permissions to use images have been sought.
The opinions in each blog are very much those of the individuals writing.