The History of Oxford Art Collections



Overview

The museum and gallery collections of Oxford University are justly renowned for their richness, diversity and eccentricity.

This series of guided site visits will introduce you to the remarkable history of Oxford’s collections.

We will discover how the ‘cabinet of antique curiosities’ originally bequeathed by Elias Ashmole in the 17th century gave rise to the world’s first public museum, how the rapidly growing collections of the Ashmolean Museum in turn led to the foundation of new museums of science and of anthropology, and how generous donations of paintings and sculpture to the Oxford Colleges resulted in valuable collections of Renaissance paintings and drawings.

We will also explore the historic and multifaceted architecture of Christ Church Cathedral – before returning to the Ashmolean Museum to investigate its unique dual role as a museum of art and archaeology.

Please note, we will be visiting museums onsite and therefore a certain level of mobility is required.

Programme details

Course starts Tuesday 30 September 2025

This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings in Oxford on Tuesdays, 2-4pm.

Week 1: Course Introduction – Connoisseurs to Curators

Week 2: Site Visit 1 – Ashmolean Museum. Guy Fawkes’ Lamp to Arthur Evans.

Week 3: Site Visit 2 – History of Science Museum.

Week 4: Site Visit 3 – Oxford University Museum of Natural History / Pitt Rivers Museum.

Week 5: Site Visit 4 – Ashmolean Museum. Baroque to Neoclassicism.

Certification

Digital badge

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.

After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add this badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so.

Fees

Description Costs
Course fee (with no assessment) £180.00
Assessment and Accreditation fee £60.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. See details of our concessionary fees for short courses.

Tutor

Dr David Morgan

David Morgan has taught art and architectural history for the Department since 2004. He has also taught courses for Birkbeck College, University of London, and for the WEA. His recent publications have centred upon the history of British visual satire.

Course aims

To provide a general introduction to some of the main museum and gallery collections of Oxford.

Course objectives

  • To introduce students to the broad institutional histories of the main Oxford museums and galleries.
  • To provide students with a critically informed overview of some of the most significant curatorial and theoretical issues associated with the acquisition and display of these collections.
  • To acquaint students with the diversity of content which is characteristic of the collections concerned.

Teaching methods

The course will consist of both classroom presentations, and guided site visits to galleries and museums in Oxford. The approach throughout will be one which aims to actively foster interactive and accessible learning. 

Learning outcomes

Students will be given the opportunity to have learnt how to:

  • Understand the broad institutional histories of the museums and galleries featured.
  • Understand and critically evaluate some of the most significant curatorial and theoretical issues related to the acquisition and public display of such collections.
  • Appreciate the diversity of content visible in these collections and institutions.

Assessment methods

This course is not accredited, so there are no assessments or coursework.

Application

Please use the 'Book now' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an enrolment form.

Level and demands

The Department's Weekly Classes are taught at first year undergraduate level.

No prior knowledge is required.

Please note, we will be visiting museums onsite and therefore a certain level of mobility is required.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support