A new online catalogue and campus facility for University Art Collection

The collection which began in the late 1950s and now includes over 800 artworks includes printmaking, painting, sculpture, film, new media, digital art and more: from historic paintings and landscapes (by artists such as LS Lowry and Adolphe Valette) through to the latest contemporary art such as an augmented reality app by Laura Daly.

Works from graduates and alumni sit alongside pieces by nationally and internationally renowned artists, both recording a legacy of creativity connected to the city, as well as acting as a key learning resource for future engagement and collaboration.

The team use the collection to collaborate widely with internal and external partners – both within the visual art and museum sectors as well as across disciplines of poetry, literature, science, environment and climate, and more.

Assistant Curator, Stephanie Fletcher, said: “The University art collection exists as a catalyst: for enriching student experience, supporting artist and sector development, piloting cross-discipline collaborations, and working closely with key industry partners – as well as being a resource for enjoyment and inspiration for all. Our work reaches audiences through a range of events, exhibitions, residencies, live projects and more - this online catalogue enables us to broaden and deepen that reach, especially as part of our increased digital offer.

“We will launch an early version of the catalogue in March, with a focus on our unique Albert Adams collection ahead of a symposium about his life and work on 9th March. Throughout the summer we will continue to launch further areas of the collection online: starting with a highlight of women and non-binary artists. We welcome enquiries about potential new collaborations, research, and engagement opportunities”.

New Home for Salford Art Collection

Coinciding with the digitisation project, the team have also been busy behind the scenes moving the Collection to a brand-new industry-standard artwork storage facility on Peel Park campus. The space brings together the entire collection in one place alongside associated archives, resources, equipment and other materials. A new visitor workspace will allow students, staff and researchers to work more closely with the collection and will be open for bookable visits from late Spring.

Alongside, and as part of the digitisation programme and new store move, the team have also appointed Gwen Riley Jones as Artist-In-Residence for a year with the collection (in partnership with Open Eye Gallery). Gwen will be using socially engaged practice to engage local young people in conversations around art, culture, history, identity and society, using the Collection as inspiration. Read more about Gwen’s work.

Associate Chief Operating Officer, John McCarthy, said: “The opportunity over the last year to create a single location for our collection, rather than a number of disparate stores across the campus, has allowed us to not only create a space that allows staff, students and visitors to enjoy our collection but it has presented an opportunity to create a dedicated space for workshops about our collection and much more.

“We have also taken the opportunity as we relocated the work to begin a major digitization of our collection allowing us to share with a wider public for their interest and enjoyment.”

The new catalogue will launch in a ‘beta’ version and the team welcome any comments and feedback – as well as any enquiries about research, collaborations or for further information about the works held.

Visit the catalogue. 

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Upcoming News: The Library launches Salford Digital Archives

A brand-new platform is set to transform the University of Salford’s original archive content.

Salford Digital Archives is a new digital platform displaying The Library’s unique and rare primary source content all in one place.

Further details to follow.