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Discover the University of Reading Art Collection

The University of Reading Art Collection presents artworks from the 16th century to today, with rotating displays, a dedicated Study Room, and digital access.

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The University of Reading Art Collection holds around 1,500 works of painting, drawing, sculpture and graphic art, including pieces of national and international significance.

About the Collection

Visit us

Based in The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road, Reading RG1 5EX
Find out how to get here

Opening hours

Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Art Study Room: By Appointment
Full opening hours

Closeup of Hephaestus from Pandora by John Dickson Batten

Online Exhibitions

Browse past displays & exhibitions from the University of Reading Art Collection

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Julius by Althea Wynne

Search our databases

Search thorough our collections on our online databases

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View of an open door next to a staircase. Above the door is black lettering which reads 'Art Study Room'

Using the Collection

Find out how to access our collections in person

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Upcoming Events

Group of people holding up small signs with a large banner in front which reads "Peoples Climate March"

Ladybird in Focus: 100 Years On

Explore how Ladybird Books has continued to evolve since its centenary in 2015. Discover how Ladybird continues to meet the…

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Dates

2 September 2025 – 6 September 2026

Author

Family, Public

Location
The Museum of English Rural Life
Head of a baby peewit facing right with the neck of the adult behind. The baby is printed in shades of orange, white and black. The neck of the adult is black, white and green. The background of the artwork is a lighter shade of green.

Paint, Pencil, Print: 10 Artworks for 10 Years

Celebrate the 10th birthday of the University of Reading Art Collection. Explore a showcase of artworks highlighting the collection’s growth…

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Dates

7 June 2025 – 25 January 2026

Author

Family, Public

Location
University Art Collection
All events and exhibitions

Latest News and Views

Reclining female nude with back to the viewer on a 'metal' bed stead. A second nude figure, visible from bust to hips, is in the background
Published Date
October 29, 2025

Art Collection Deep Dive: Walter Sickert’s The Little Bed 

This month, our summer placement student, Caitlin Johnson (BA Museum Studies and Archaeology, 2021-2025), takes a closer look at Walter…

Drawing of a figure from behind. The figure is wearing a smock and holding paint brushes and supplies.
Published Date
October 14, 2025

Seeking an Artist in Residence

The University Art Collection is seeking an Artist in Residence to respond to drawings in the Collection and run workshops…

Standing figure, wearing a long-sleeved dress with raised left hand
Published Date
September 3, 2025

Work Experience Diaries: Part 3

My Art Collections Work Experience Diary, July 2025  Written by Erin Ruiz I have been fortunate to be able to…

Four nude figures beside a stream. One sitting on the left bank with his knees pulled up, another to his right ascending the bank, a third in the distance on the right, supporting himself on the bank, a fourth standing in the shrubbery in the distance. Letters are lightly scratched in the river and bank.
Published Date
August 21, 2025

Work Experience Diaries: Part 2

My Art Collections Work Experience Diary, July 2025  Written by Winki Wang, Year 10 at The Holt School  I recently…

Drawing of a figure looking over their shoulder towards the left of the artwork.
Published Date
August 14, 2025

Work Experience Diaries: Part 1

My Art Collections Work Experience Diary, July 2025  Written by Xionne Cooper, Year 10 at The Holt School  My name…

Whiteknights campus from the air: Edith Morley, Minghella, Whiteknights House, Henley Business School and Old Whiteknights House. Still image taken from 4K drone footage. Summer 2015.
Published Date
July 9, 2025

Want to create a Mural? Looking for Expressions of Interest

The University of Reading is seeking Expressions of Interest for the design and delivery of a large-scale mural on the…

All news and views

Explore, research, get inspired

Visit Our Study Room

With over 1,500 artworks to explore, we welcome students, researchers, and creatives with expert support on hand to help you get the most from our collections

Explore past exhibitions

Online Collections

Browse exclusive digital showcases from the University of Reading Art Collection and revisit exhibitions you may have missed, all from the comfort of home.