Our sculpture collection works through collaboration. Artists lend us their work, and in return they connect with audiences from across different disciplines – from science to arts to humanities. It’s a partnership that benefits everyone: artists gain new exposure, and our community gets to experience a changing, inspiring collection. Artists can recall their work whenever they need to, and this generous, flexible approach has sustained our collection for decades.
We look for modern and contemporary pieces, usually from the 1950s onwards. We focus on non-figurative work from this period, in keeping with our Modernist ethos.
Growing through connections
Without means for major purchases, our collection grows through relationships. It’s a collaborative effort – students and Fellows from all disciplines make connections with artists. In some cases these relationships lead to donations too.
The sculpture which was formerly at our entrance was relocated by the artist to a new home during Easter term this year by mutual consent.
Around the same time, our Art Curator and Fellow Barry Phipps reviewed an exhibition by sculptor Almuth Tebbenhoff and reached out to her after this. A connection was formed – a great example of how arts conversations spark new partnerships.
Concurrently, Tebbenhoff had RedHead Sunset Stack on display outside the Royal Society of Sculptors in London (where she’s Vice-President), but it was due to move in late 2025. Barry asked if she’d consider loaning it to us, to be sited in the vacant space at the front of College. The artist generously agreed.
Gaining approval
Every sculpture goes through our Hanging Committee, where students and Fellows work together to agree art for our college. The committee includes two Visual Arts Sizars – students who receive a stipend to champion our art collection and connect across the student community – alongside student representatives and Fellows.
This mix of voices matters. Scholars across sciences, humanities and the arts all bring different perspectives, and together they shape a collection that enriches everyone’s experience.
The committee agreed Tebbenhoff’s loan, and RedHead Sunset Stack is now here for an initial 12 months.
Different views, valuable conversations
The piece has sparked lots of discussion. The task of Art is often to provoke a response and to make you stop and look. If that’s a measure, then RedHead Sunset Stack is certainly doing its work. While many people find it striking and thought-provoking, others are less sure. It may not be to everyone’s taste – and that’s okay. It’s not the first work of art to provoke differing responses, and it may not be the last.
These different reactions and the conversations they spark are part of what makes our community vibrant. They help us think about our asthetic environment and keep us engaged with our surroundings.