Black History Month
Talk - William ‘Crimean’ Simpson digitised: His role in empire.
- Tickets
-
Free
- Box office telephone
- Dates and times
-
21st Sep 2024
11:00AM - 12:00PM
- Age
- All ages
- Venue
Join us at The
Mitchell Library, Glasgow for an exploration of the work of Scottish artist,
war artist and war correspondent, William Simpson (1823 – 1899).
We have
recently completed a project to catalogue, research and digitise 246 art works
relating to his career as a “Special Artist” for the ‘Illustrated London News’,
during which he travelled to India, Ethiopia / Abyssinia, France, China,
Afghanistan & Russia.
Many of the
sketches he made were reproduced in the ILN, and in beautifully printed books.
His adventures were legendary, and included attending the weddings of kings and
emperors, documenting the archaeology of Ancient Greece, and being arrested as
a spy.
His passion for
learning about these cultures shine through his work but must be viewed through
the lens of colonialism and orientalism. The illustrations of “picturesque
people” may be seen in the context of war against, and colonisation of, their
countries.
This event is part of Art History Festival 2024 organised by the Association for Art History.
#ArtHistoryFestival2024
MLSC.128422.3 William
Simpson, ‘Oven, Greek Village, Plains of Troy’ © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums and
Libraries Collection.
Please call 0141 287 2988 or email specialcollections@glasgowlife.org.uk to book a space.
Accessibility guides
Read the accessibility guide for The Mitchell Library on AccessAble
Read our autism-friendly guide to the Mitchell Library
We also have a supply of books in Braille, large print and audio.
Accessible toilets
This accessible toilet is approximately 26m (28yd 1ft) from the main entrance. This accessible toilet is located to the rear right as you enter.
Assistance dogs
Guide and assistance dogs are welcome and a bowl of water can be provided.
Hearing loop
There is a fixed loop hearing assistance system.
This venue does not play background music.
Wheelchair access
There is a wheelchair to borrow. To borrow the wheelchair, please contact a member of staff.
Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
Baby changing
Baby feeding
Cafe or restaurant
The Café is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 4.15pm.
Click here to see the Café menu
Parking
Please note that there is on-street surrounding The Mitchell Library, from 8am-6pm Monday to Friday this is metered. As this is also a local residential area, please use these spaces considerately. Alternatively, there is an a NCP Car Park on India Street next to Charing Cross Train Station which is a 2 minute walk away.
Photography and video recording
On occasion, Glasgow Life will be on the premises to film and take photos.
Study spaces
Study spaces can be booked by calling 0141 287 7655. Click here for further information.
Free wifi
We provide free WIFI access and further access to over 50 PCs for public use
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