#westonlibrary

Lastnight I attended the opening of 'The Full Picture, Oxford in Portraits' at Oxford's Weston Library (exhibition runs from the 24th of November-7th January). Truly honoured to have work included in such an important show. Led by the University's Equality and diversity Unit who catalogued existing paintings of pioneering figures who challenged the stereotypes of their time, the University commissioned 24 new portraits of nominated students and staff members from different genders, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, disabilities and LGBTQ+ communities who are making major and positive difference to Oxford and the world. Their stories and portraits aim to inspire the next generation of Oxford graduates and will eventually hang in the examination rooms as part of a permanent collection. It was amazing to meet so many people I admire personally and to be paired with Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, CEO and founder of Stemettes and British computing, mathematics and language child prodigy. Anne-Marie is an inspiring figure who actively champions the work of women in STEM industries and I am grateful to have had a part in making a record of her achievements and contributions-also turned in to a fan girl when I got to meet Ken Loach and Diarmaid Macculloch! #sarahmuirheadart #sarahmuirhead #oxforduniversity #westonlibrary #portrait #annemarieimafidon #stemmettes #stem #womeninstem #representation #diversity #inspiringpeople #portraiture #figurativeart #realism #commission #painting #acryliconcanvas #skin #flesh #gaze #oxford #london #edinburgh #studio #cupcakes #kenloach #dairmaidmacculloch

Back from Oxford and the Tolkien exhibition at the Weston Library: a room filled with all the magic and wonder one could imagine, from one man's polymath mind and boundless imagination. Manuscripts, maps, drawings, letters, translations, watercolours and book-cover designs, photos from his childhood and university days (so many of his peers lost in the Great War); the desk he wrote at, and a fabulous tabletop 3D interactive display of Frodo and Sam's journey to Mount Doom, with a flash of light like a nuclear detonation rippling across the board as they reach their goal and successfully destroy the Ring (there was an audible gasp of appreciation at this from the crowded onlookers). Left the exhibition feeling moved, awed, and with the same sense of childlike wonder I felt when I first read my (now falling apart) copy of The Hobbit many, many years ago. #tolkien #jrrtolkien #makerofmiddleearth #westonlibrary #tolkienexhibition #bodleianlibraries #oxford #middleearth #thelordoftherings #thehobbit #thesilmarillion #roverandom #philology #mythology #legendarium #books #bookstagram #bibliophilia

HoA at the new Weston Library