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New Library exhibition space

We are delighted to let you know about an exciting development in the Library – the creation of a dedicated exhibition space. We were approached many months ago about the possibility of an exhibition for the works of a local artist, Luke King-Salter, and the idea of an exhibition space in the Library developed from there. My thanks to our colleagues in the Maintenance team for helping us to bring our vision into being.

We have planned our first four exhibitions which will see us through the months of summer, and have many other ideas for how to make the most of this wonderfully flexible space. We would welcome your suggestions on how this space could be used to the advantage of the whole Somerville community, so please do let me know your thoughts, and we will do our best to turn those ideas into actions.

Our opening exhibition celebrates another opening, that of the Library in 1904. For his paintings, Luke King-Salter took inspiration from the play Demeter which was written by Robert Bridges and performed by members of the college as part of the opening day celebrations. In the Archives we hold several items from that first performance of the play, and further items from a performance 50 years later. You will find these items on display alongside the works of Luke King-Salter, providing context to the paintings and a brief insight into the activities of students from 120 years ago. My thanks to Kate O’Donnell, Assistant Archivist, and Matthew Roper, Library Assistant, for re-telling the story through this exhibition.

And finally, an invitation from myself and from the artist, Luke King-Salter:

You are cordially invited to the inaugural exhibition of the newly installed exhibition space in Somerville College Library, where a group of paintings by artist Luke King-Salter is now on display.  

This series of abstract paintings is a tribute to the play Demeter, by Robert Bridges, which was commissioned by the college librarian (later principal) Margery Fry and performed by students to mark the opening of the library building in 1904. The series delves into themes of mortality, transience and the place of humanity within nature, while paying homage to an important event in the history of the college.

Luke King-Salter is an Oxford-based artist with a background in literary studies. His passion for the history of ideas leads him to create expressive abstract paintings that are historically engaged and emotionally engaging.

The paintings will be on display until Sunday the 7th of May. The space will also be open to alumni and members of the public from 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm, Monday to Friday. For further information about the exhibition, please visit the artist’s website: www.jlks-art.com

We hope this new Library space has piqued your interest. Please do come and take a look, and provide your thoughts!