This book is published to mark the 80th anniversary of the foundation of the Barber Institute of Fine Arts at the University of Birmingham, an exceptional cultural resource that combines one of the finest small art galleries in the world with a superb concert hall and research facilities. The Barber was founded in December 1932 by Lady Barber (neé Hattie Onions), widow of Sir Henry Barber, a wealthy local property developer and lawyer, 'for the study and encouragement of art and music'. The Barbers' lives, interests and motivations for founding the Institute, and for providing a source of substantial income to build and develop it, are the subject of one of the five essays in this book. Following an introduction that considers some of the models for the Barber, other chapters explore the University's response to Lady Barber's initiative; the career of the Barber's first, outstanding Director, Thomas Bodkin, and the remarkable acquisitions of fine and decorative arts he made for it; and the great impact of Lady Barber's gift on musical life at the University. The book is the product of extensive new research by a team of authors, and provides a fascinating and valuable insight into the conception, birth and formative years of one of the UK's most revered cultural institutions. It is lavishly illustrated with 120 colour and archival images, many previously unpublished, and includes an extensive appendix listing all the acquisitions made under Bodkin's directorship for the Barber during the first two decades of its existence. AUTHOR: Dr Sophie Bostock is Assistant Curator at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts and a member of the International Association of Art Critics (AICAUK). Jesse Campbell studied History of Art at the university of Saskatchewan in Canada. Her essay in this volume is the product of the six-month research study abroad. Dr James Hamilton is University Curator at the University of Birmingham and a fellow of the Barber Institute. Professor Ann Sumner is Director of the Birmingham Museums Trust and from 2007 to 2012 was Director of the Barber Institute of Fine Arts and Barber Professor of Fine Arts and Curatorial Practice. Colin Timms was from 1992 to 2012 the Peyton and Barber Professor of Music at the University of Birmingham. Robert Wenley is Acting Director of the Barber Institute of Fine Arts having joined in May 2010 as the Head of Collections and Learning. SELLING POINTS: ?Published to mark the 80th anniversary of the foundation of the Barber Institute of Fine Arts at the University of Birmingham ?The book is the product of extensive new research by a team of authors ?It is lavishly illustrated with 120 colour and archival images, many previously unpublished 120 colour illustrations
