Reinterpretation of Kingston Museum's Muybridge Collection for contemporary public engagement
Lead Research Organisation:
Kingston University
Department Name: Sch of Art & Architecture
Abstract
Kingston Museum holds one of the four pre-eminent archival collections of Eadweard Muybridge (1830-1904), a Kingston-born photographer who pioneered studies of movement and motion-picture projection. The Collection has a distinctive local connection since it was donated by Muybridge himself in 1904. However, considering the international influence and legacy of Muybridge's works throughout modern culture, Muybridge and his work have a relatively low local public profile and recognition, and the Collection has not been fully utilised and connected with contemporary local audiences. A need for the reinterpretation of the Collection, using creative and engaging methods, has been identified. The Muybridge Collection will be reinterpreted by exploring and re-presenting it through innovative and creative contemporary arts, along with other Muybridge-focused public programmes at Kingston Museum from 2017.
My research will investigate the implications and impact of the reinterpretation of Kingston Museum's Muybridge Collection, through contemporary arts, for local public engagement. Alongside literature research into history and theories of the reinterpretation of historic collections, other UK museums with defined historic collections will be examined for the contemporary reinterpretation of their collections. Further research on other major Muybridge collections and the modern adaptation of those collections for contemporary audiences will also be undertaken.
Through this research, I hope to delineate the roles of contemporary arts for the reinterpretation of Kingston Museum's Muybridge Collection and their implications for current local audiences. I would also hope to extend the outcomes of the research to other local museums in the UK, by providing a practical case study for the reinterpretation of a defined historic collection.
My research will investigate the implications and impact of the reinterpretation of Kingston Museum's Muybridge Collection, through contemporary arts, for local public engagement. Alongside literature research into history and theories of the reinterpretation of historic collections, other UK museums with defined historic collections will be examined for the contemporary reinterpretation of their collections. Further research on other major Muybridge collections and the modern adaptation of those collections for contemporary audiences will also be undertaken.
Through this research, I hope to delineate the roles of contemporary arts for the reinterpretation of Kingston Museum's Muybridge Collection and their implications for current local audiences. I would also hope to extend the outcomes of the research to other local museums in the UK, by providing a practical case study for the reinterpretation of a defined historic collection.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Stephen Barber (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Seoyoung Kim (Student) |
| Title | 'My Muybridge' Contemporary art exhibition at Kingston Museum in 2018 |
| Description | One of my main research focuses is artistic, interpretive response to Muybridge's life and work. My research directly fed into curating of this contemporary art exhibition 'My Muybridge' at Kingston Museum in 2018. The exhibition showcased 24 local artists' responses to the life and work of Muybridge. Utilising my knowledge and expertise gained from my research, I was able to influence the creation of interesting new artworks and to curate the exhibition that presented meaningful contemporary interpretation of Muybridge's legacy. |
| Type Of Art | Artistic/Creative Exhibition |
| Year Produced | 2018 |
| Impact | Many participating artists developed deeper understanding of Muybridge's life and work, in particular his connection to Kingston, through the exhibition. The exhibition was well received by a wide range of visitors, including local residents and art exhibition goers. Kingston Museum was able to develop a stronger relationship with local artists and to widen its audience profile through the exhibition. Furthermore, I had opportunities to interview many of participating artists for their experience, which has formed valuable case studies for my research. Visitor responses were also captured during the exhibition. |
| Description | Research Support Grant |
| Amount | £1,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 11/2018 |
| End | 09/2019 |
| Description | Implementing research results to establish a case study for other heritage institutions |
| Organisation | Kingston Museum |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | My research into networking and mapping other major Muybridge collection helps to define and distinguish Kingston Museum's Muybridge collection. Also, a wide range of my case studies and examples I have collected through my research will provide Kingston Museum with in-depth information and practical tips which will help the museum to develop more effective audience development programmes around its Muybridge collection. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Eadweard Muybridge (1830-1904), who was born and died in Kingston, is a 19th century photographer and inventor. His pioneering photographic studies of movement and innovative moving projection in the 1870-90s have had a huge impact on a wide range of modern culture. The Muybridge collection at Kingston Museum was donated by Muybridge himself in 1904, and it is one of the most significant Muybridge collections worldwide. Reflecting Muybridge's long career in the US, other major Muybridge collections are held by American Institutions (e.g. Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, Cantor Center for Visual Arts, Stanford University and George Eastman Museum). The Kingston collection is a core subject of my research. Kingston Museum has granted a full access to its collection and other information required for my research. Also, I have been able to implement some of my research outcomes to develop Kingston Museum's activities. |
| Impact | As results of this partnership; * Kingston Museum provides me practical opportunities upon which I can try and test my ideas * Kingston Museum has developed a new, wider and stronger relationship with other institutions which hold Muybridge collections from my research. * Through my academic support, Kingston Museum becomes a more resilient cultural institution, with stronger collection development and audience engagement. |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Social media posting on research trips |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | In 2019, I undertook two separate research trips to America to study important Muybridge collections. In total, 15 institutions were visited - 7 in California, mainly in San Francisco and 8 in the east coast. During the visit to the collection in San Francisco where Muybridge's influence is strongly presented, I created a series of social media postings under the title of 'In search of Muybridge; from Kingston to San Francisco'. The postings were re-posted through Kingston Museum and Kingston Council's social media channels. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |