Abstract

As a nation we hold one of the finest collections of oil paintings in the world. Although largely held by museums, many of these works can also be found in universities, town halls, hospitals and public libraries. Eighty per cent of these paintings are not on view, either being in store or in buildings without routine public access. Until the Public Catalogue Foundation started its work in 2003, the majority had never been photographed.

Andrew Ellis (m.1980), Director of the Public Catalogue Foundation, will give a Lady Margaret Lecture ‘The Nation’s Hidden Art Collection Revealed’ in the Yusuf Hamied Theatre, Christ’s College, on Wednesday 5 March 2014. He will describe how the Foundation tracked down the nation’s hidden art in over 3,000 locations across the UK, including the University of Cambridge. In an illustrated talk, he will share some of the discoveries as well as offer insights into the nation’s collecting habits and the threats that currently face these collections. He will also explain how innovative digital technologies are being employed to improve our knowledge of this painting collection.