Canterbury Christ Church University holds a diverse collection of over 145 art and heritage works that have been purchased, given to us on long term loan, or donated to the university. Over 50 of these works are displayed in this show. The collection covers the period from the 12th century to the present day. The bulk of the work is held within and around the North Holmes Road campus but there are significant pieces in Augustine House and at Medway as well. 

The university aims to have a Collection of significant historical, modern and contemporary art that is integrated into the university campus. Pieces are displayed in public spaces to delight, educate, challenge and inspire all who encounter it. The Collection also acts as a resource and a model for active learning and engagement both within and beyond the university walls. The artworks act as a conduit, opening the university to different audiences, attracting visitors to campus and deepening our links to the wider community. To fulfil these aims, the Arts & Culture department is responsible for managing, conserving, maintaining and developing the Collection. 

Featured artists

Work by renowned artists such as Humphrey Ocean RA, Jennifer Dickson RA and Carel Weight CBE RA have been added to the Collection. Humphrey Ocean’s (b. 1951) Lord Volvo and his Estate (1982) was voted one of 57 of the nation’s favourite paintings, appearing on billboards around Britain in Art Everywhere, organised by the Art Fund in 2013. Jennifer Dickson (1936 – 2025) had more than 60 solo exhibitions in six countries, and is the only Canadian to have been made a Royal Academician in its 200-year history. Carel Weight (1908 – 1997) was an acclaimed war artist, with works owned by the likes of Tate, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Imperial War Museum, and David Bowie’s personal collection.

In tandem with these famous names, the university has acquired outstanding work from graduating students, and staff who are also established creative practitioners. These works complement and improve the Collection overall, helping to ensure it remains relevant, accessible and can stand the test of time. 

We have followed the creative development in alumni with keen interest. Alongside their work acquired for the university’s Collection in 2017 we are pleased to showcase recent work, that isn’t in the Collection, by Christie Grant. We also have work by Shaun Vincent – a BA (Hons) Photography graduate and now Technical Instructor here at CCCU. Shaun recently exhibited his ‘My Beach’ exhibition in the Verena Holmes Gallery. Two of the 52 images in that show were acquired for the Collection and are shown here. 

Visitors are enjoying an exhibition that reflects a dynamic and living collection of artworks and historical artefacts which record and support the history, artistic achievements and aspirations of creativity and culture at CCCU. A Collection that inspires and provokes imagination, reflection and dialogue. 

Related posts

In this blog post, featured artist Roy Eastland shares insights into the creation of “On, on; come on”, a silverpoint drawing of artist Thomas Sidney Cooper.

On Tuesday 18 November we hosted a Private View and Drinks Reception to celebrate the exhibition, and were happy to welcome a number of the artists back to CCCU.

Paul Russell 

Curator 

Arts & Culture department