University of Hull Art Collection

About the museum

The University of Hull Art Collection was started in 1963 by Dr Malcolm Easton, the first Honorary Curator. He built it up on a modest yearly bequest from the benefactor Thomas Robinson Ferens, and chose to focus on British art from 1890 to 1940. The collection grew to more than 420 works, including paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture by artists such as Augustus John, Stanley Spencer, Vanessa Bell and Ben Nicholson.

The works were first shown in the Brynmor Jones Library on the university campus. In 1967 the collection moved to Middleton Hall, and in 2015 it returned to the library, where it now has a gallery on the ground floor. A large adjoining gallery hosts rotating loan exhibitions, and the collection is free and open to all, whether students, staff or members of the public.

The gallery is part of the library building at Cottingham Road, so visitors enter through the library. The university also runs a separate museum of South-East Asian craft and belief.

Highlights

• More than 420 works of British art from 1890 to 1940
• Paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture
• Works by Augustus John, Stanley Spencer, Vanessa Bell and Ben Nicholson
• Rotating loan exhibitions in an adjoining gallery

Permanent exhibition

• University Art Collection – British art from 1890 to 1940, including paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture, shown on the ground floor of the library.

Founded

1963

Operated by

University of Hull

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

The collection is free and open to all.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The gallery is on the ground floor of the Brynmor Jones Library, a seven-floor building with several ground-level entrances. Visitors with mobility needs can ask staff at the Welcome Desk on the ground floor for advice.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The gallery is on the single-site University of Hull campus at Cottingham Road. A campus map is available on the library website.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Whitsun’s Café is in the library building. The gallery shop sells cards and catalogues.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit