Uncover the history of artist Albert Adams in an exclusive online symposium with Salford Art Collection

Taking place virtually on Wednesday 9 March at 1.00pm-5.00pm, 'Albert Adams: In Context' is open to University staff, students and members of the public, and will focus on the life and work of London-based South African expressionist artist, Albert Adams (1929-2006).

The free event will be hosted by Dr Alice Correia, Research Fellow in Art History at the University of Salford and independent art historian, in collaboration with the University of Salford Art Collection. The study day will touch on a range of topics including self-portraiture, post-war painting and printmaking, Black modernism, masculinity and sexuality, and the South African artistic community in London.

Alice said: “This half-day workshop will be an incredible opportunity to learn more about Albert Adams. During his lifetime, Adams' work was overlooked by the art-world establishment. We will be joined by a group of pre-eminent art historians and curators, who will reflect on the various contexts in which he lived and worked.

“We'll discuss Adams' experience of Apartheid South Africa, his identity as a gay, black man in London during the 1950s and 60s, as well as his engagement with modernist painting and printmaking techniques.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone for an afternoon of lively and collaborative discussions.”

Attendees can join in for the whole day or drop in for parts of it and the symposium will begin with presentations from a range of key-note speakers:

• Dr Elena Crippa (Senior Curator of Modern and Contemporary British Art, Tate Britain) 
• Dr Christine Eyene (Guild Research Fellow in Contemporary Art at the University of Central Lancashire)
• Dr Gregory Salter (Lecturer in Art History at the University of Birmingham)
• Professor Allan Walker (Dean of the Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology University of Salford)

In response to Adam’s work, Professor Jackie Kay CBE, former Chancellor of the University of Salford, and writer-in-residence will be releasing new poetry. Following this, the afternoon will be an opportunity for attendees to engage in a lively and collaborative discussion. 

The University of Salford Art Collection holds a significant collection of Albert Adam’s prints, paintings, and studio objects, both purchased and generously donated by Adam’s surviving partner Edward (Ted) Glennon in 2012, with support from the Art Fund.

Stephanie Fletcher, Assistant Curator for the University of Salford Art Collection, said: “We are honoured to hold one of the largest existing archives of Adam’s work, and hope this study day brings his work the wider recognition and audiences it deserves.”

Coinciding with the symposium, the University of Salford Art Collection will also be launching a new online catalogue of digitised works and associated resources and materials – starting with a focus on the Adams collection.

Book your place on ‘Albert Adams: In Context’ via Eventbrite.