Clare Hall Art Collection – A Selection

An exhibition of a selection from Clare Hall Art Collection

Clare Hall was established in 1966 as a centre for advanced study by fellows from Clare College. From its inception, it was envisioned that postgraduate life should be enriched by visual art and music as integral parts of the college’s cultural and academic endeavours.

An art committee, composed of fellows and other members, was formed to encourage artists to exhibit their work at Clare Hall, initiating a tradition that continues to this day. The founders intended for the college to be inclusive and open, making exhibitions accessible not only to students, fellows, and staff but also to the public. Artworks are displayed in common areas of the college, ensuring everyone has access.

The building, designed by Ralph Erskine, features simply painted walls in the common room, foyer, and administrative courtyard, which are easy for the porters to monitor without intrusive security measures. Over nearly 60 years, many artists have applied or been invited to exhibit in these spaces. They are responsible for transporting and hanging their work, while Clare Hall provides an opening reception and publicity. Artists are offered exhibitions for around six weeks, and no fee is charged by the college for the wall space, nor is any commission taken on work sold. It is, however, requested that one work in the exhibition be freely gifted to the Clare Hall Art Collection.

Over the years, this Collection, of mostly modern and contemporary art, has grown substantially. Some of its wonderful pieces are on show in the current display, including a three-part print, based on a national anthem, by the Japanese artist Nana Shiomi, who is currently exhibiting at Pallant House Gallery, in Chichester.  However, as the collection grew in importance, so did its need for more professionalism in the care, handling and knowledge of the collection.

Without a part- or full-time curator, the management of Art at Clare Hall has always been done on a voluntary basis. Only recently has a definite budget been allocated to the mounting of exhibitions and the care of the collection. It makes possible a more rigorous oversight. Work is underway, with the updating and reorganizing of the collection, by means of a more adequate database and a more professional catalogue that can usefully identify and clarify what constitutes our Collection, thereby bringing security to its role as a loan collection for college residents and for an exchange of loans with other institutions. Such work requires a strong curatorial steer as well as greater professionalism.

This exhibition curated by me with Ann Kennedy Smith features a selection of works chosen to provide an exciting and varied show that we liked and has wide appeal. We have selected works from among many possibilities, and we hope to mount another exhibition from the Clare Hall Collection for the college’s 60th Anniversary year in 2026. This will include works that feature Clare Hall buildings, portraits of Clare Hall fellows, and pieces by artists closely associated with Clare Hall.

Unfortunately, I was unable to delve into the archives for detailed information about the provenance of some artworks. More recent acquisitions are well documented, but many older works are less well understood.

Any interesting details, which you, the viewer, might have about any of the works on show, do let us know. If so, please contact the Art Committee at Art@clarehall.cam.ac.uk.

–Written by Fiona Blake, Secretary to the Clare Hall Art Committee