Art

Something which makes Pembroke unique among Oxford colleges is that it has an art collection which actually belongs to the JCR (including you!). It was set up in 1947 by then undergrad student Anthony Emery, and is renowned as being one of the best collections of post World War II art in the country. So much so that in the past we've had works exhibited in Tate Britain and the Ashmolean, and one is currently being loaned to the National Portrait Gallery.

Many pieces are on display in our gallery which I'll be opening up in Freshers' Week and throughout the year: it's a lovely space and really worth a visit or two. Plus we have so much amazing art that you'll be able to borrow something to brighten up the walls of your room! But more than that, thanks to our paintings (well one in particular) we are the wealthiest JCR in Oxford. In 1953 a painting by Francis Bacon was bought for £150...and then sold in 1997 for £400,000! We've been making the most of the interest from this sale ever since.

As a result of all of this, the Art Fund was set up. It's a registered charity, and means that we can give money to students via Hardship or Travel Grants. Part of my role (along with our esteemed VP Jigar) is to promote and publicise these, and we'll make sure you know how you can benefit from the grants.

Check out the JCR Art Fund Collection at its website.