Europe’s largest collection of art by women

The collection consists of a growing body of approximately 450 works and is Europe’s largest collection of contemporary art by women, the second most significant of its kind in the world.

Featuring major works by acclaimed artists including Tracey Emin, Dame Paula Rego (who will receive an Honorary Degree from the University tomorrow), Cornelia Parker, Eileen Cooper, Maggi Hambling, Mary Fedden and Dame Barbara Hepworth, the collection is housed at Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge.

It has evolved through gifts and loans from artists and donors since 1986 and is second in size only to the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington DC.

Paintings, prints, and sculpture are displayed throughout the Grade II* surroundings.

A key resource for the study of artworks by women, the collection enables viewers to trace movements in art in a variety of media over more than 60 years; a period during which women have achieved unprecedented prominence in the visual arts.

Murray Edwards College's position as a preeminent college for women and its sympathetic setting for contemporary art, were determining factors in the establishment of this collection of art by women.

The new catalogue records the evolution of this major collection over the last 29 years, featuring beautiful illustrations alongside a foreword by Ann Jones, Curator of the Arts Council Collection.

Dame Barbara Stocking DBE, President of Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge remarked:  “The outstanding art collection housed here in Murray Edwards College is a hidden gem in the British Art World. We hope the publication of this new catalogue will raise the profile of this important collection of art by women and promote their place in the contemporary art world.”

Professor Martin Roland, Chair of the Art Committee, added:  “From its foundation, the College, then named New Hall, was fortunate in receiving a few valuable donations and loans of works of art; however it was the acquisition of Mary Kelly's Extase in 1986 that spurred us to hope this might be the nucleus of a permanent collection of contemporary art by distinguished women artists.

"Over the 29 years since, we have welcomed further generous gifts and loans from such illustrious artists as Dame Paula Rego, which has helped grow New Hall Art Collection into an internationally recognised resource – one which will continue to develop over years to come.”

The New Hall Art Collection at Murray Edwards College on Huntingdon Road is available for public viewing between 10am and 6pm every day. A programme of temporary exhibitions and events complements the collection.

The catalogue is available from Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge, priced £15. www-art.newhall.cam.ac.uk

The full collection can be viewed online at www-art.newhall.cam.ac.uk/the-collection. 

Picture shows a details from 'Ines de Castro' by Dame Paula Rego Oil on canvas. Donated by the artist in 2014