Collections Research Network to welcome V&A Director for special launch lecture

Wednesday, 28 February 2018

Following the creation of the Collections Research Network, we are delighted to announce that Dr Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A, will deliver a special lecture for staff this March. 

Collections Research Network

The newly-formed Collections Research Network aims to promote the continued growth of research potential in the University’s academic collections. 

The Network is led by Dr Paddy Bullard (English Literature) and supported by the Heritage & Creativity Institute for Collections (Dr Rhi Smith). 

The Collections Research Network will:

• bring together collections professionals and academic researchers, with a view to promoting professional collaboration and friendship across services, disciplines and schools;
• share good practice and innovative thinking regarding collections-based research;
• provide a forum for reporting on recent enterprises and projects;
• explore ways in which experimental collections-based teaching and public-facing activity might feed into future collaborative research projects;
• identify emerging training needs around collections-based research.

The Network plan to host regular events and activities, with the aim of establishing a new community of practice for collections-based research at the University of Reading.

For further information about the Network, please contact Dr Paddy Bullard. 

Design for a Nation: the V&A in the 21st Century

• Friday 9 March, G11, Henley Business School, (1-2 pm)

The Collections Research Network will proudly host its very first event in March – Dr Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A – the world’s leading museum of art, design, and performance – will deliver a special lecture to University staff. 

Having been at the forefront of political, cultural and public life for the last decade, Dr Tristram Hunt has expertise across education, industry and politics. With a keen awareness of the essential role of major public institutions in the UK, he will discuss his vision for the V&A, the importance of archive collections, and the role that museums can play in the education sector and in society more broadly.

The lecture is open to all University staff, and will be of particular interest to researchers (especially those specialising in collections-based research). Admission is free but places are limited – to book your place please call extension 6718 or visit the event registration page (University log-in required).