The collection dates from the founding of the University in 1965. Works include 1960s colour field paintings by Jack Bush and Gene Davis and a trail of contemporary sculptures across the campus. The contemporary sculpture trail includes notable works by Ian Davenport, Peter Randall-Page, Richard Deacon and Toby Paterson. There is a consistent movement of work from the collection around the campus, keeping the audience on its toes.
All works from the collection are on display in the public spaces across the university campus.
Editor’s note:
Going to visit the Mead Gallery is a trail of discovery. As you explore the campus you will come across almost of all the permanent collection including Ian Davenport’s wall painting, Everything, in the Institute of Mathematics and Simon Patterson’s unmissable Cosmic Wallpaper sited on the wall of the Ramphal Building.
Most of these site-specific works were acquired through the Contemporary Art Society’s Special Collection Scheme.