My Ashmolean My Museum - Outdoor Photographic Exhibition by Theo Chalmers

12 May 2009

MY ASHMOLEAN MY MUSEUM
OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION BY THEO CHALMERS
12 MAY – 4 OCTOBER 2009

Free Admission
Ashmolean Forecourt Exhibition open 10 – 5pm (Sat, Sun 12 – 5pm)

The Museum remains closed until November 2009

My Ashmolean My Museum is a collection of over thirty portraits taken by fine art photographer, Theo Chalmers.  The series has been produced in collaboration with high profile individuals and members of the local community.

From acclaimed actors, authors and artists, to Oxfordshire residents, the exhibition celebrates the personal connections that people have with the Ashmolean, in the lead up to the opening of the new Museum building in November 2009.  Sir Ben Kingsley, Shami Chakrabarti and Maggi Hambling, are among the individuals who sat for a portrait with the Museum’s treasures.

Chalmers combines a surrealist overtone with a sleek advertising finish to tell a range of stories of each model and the history of each object.  The portraits feature written quotations, articulating the sitter’s connection to the work of art or providing more information about the object.  

“West meets East” reads the quote on Sir Ben Kingsley’s forehead.  He has played characters from both West and East in his distinguished career, most famously in the role of Gandhi.  He is pictured holding a loaf of bread and a bowl of rice, signifying the cultural differences of the continents and the links between them, a theme the Museum’s new display strategy will illustrate.  In the background is a statue of a standing Buddha from Gandhara (northern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan).  In the early centuries AD, this region had become a strong centre both for Buddhism and for Western artistic influence. 

There is a ‘double portrait’ of the artist Maggi Hambling.  She is photographed with the portrait she painted of Francis Bacon, now in the Ashmolean’s collections.  In this striking artistic moment, Chalmers has captured two of the country’s greatest figurative painters “One pair of eyes meets another”.  From the world of law and human rights, Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty and Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, stands in front of The Reign of Justice, a lithograph by EJ Sullivan.  Shami poses as Lady Justice, holding chains for oppression and a butterfly for freedom.  She took her quotation from the maxim above the Old Bailey “Defend the children of the poor and punish the wrongdoer”.

Moreover, the series has captured the simpler joys which the Museum provides.  7 year-old Oxfordshire resident, Freya Darius-Nobes enjoys studying the Romans.  Her visit to the Ashmolean opened up a new world of discovery.  Among the collection of classical sculpture she found the bust of a satyr with a child’s face, pointy ears and a mischievous smile.  Capturing her imagination, it made her curious to learn more about the Roman world at school.

“This is such an exciting time at the Ashmolean.  I am really pleased to have been asked to get involved.  I am lucky enough to live close by to what is a truly world-class museum, looking after treasures from across the globe.  My photograph illustrates West meets East – one of the themes of the new galleries and a story very close to my own heart.  I can’t wait to see it on display.”  Sir Ben Kingsley.

“We are extremely grateful to the individuals who have generously given their time and support to this campaign and to the Ashmolean – a commitment to which I am certain the new Museum will do justice.  I look forward to opening the doors in November, to what I truly hope you will agree is your Ashmolean.”  Dr Christopher Brown, Director of the Ashmolean.

For further information please contact Susie Gault:
The Ashmolean, Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2PH
susie.gault@ashmus.ox.ac.uk Tel: 01865 288298
www.ashmolean.org/myashmolean

Notes to editors:

My Ashmolean My Museum

Theo Chalmers is a professional photographer whose portfolio includes an array of well-known faces captured in a bold and original style.  He successfully combines a unique fine art collection with contemporary portraiture and fashion.  His work continues to explore difficult subject matter with a respectful and imaginative approach.  Theo began his professional training at the Oxford School of photography over a decade ago, and has since maintained a close relationship with the City where he has a working studio.  For more information visit www.theochalmers.com

With thanks to the Oxford Bus Company, photographs from the collection are touring across Oxford and beyond, helping My Ashmolean My Museum to reach the widest possible audience.  In November 2008, the portraits of the author Philip Pullman and the historian Bettany Hughes were unveiled on the back of London Espress Coaches.  In March, the images of Michelin Star chef, Raymond Blanc, OBE, and 8 year-old Oxford resident Luca Abarno were went out on Oxford City buses.  An additional 5 bus backs will be released over the rest of the year.

Visitors to the online gallery can upload their favourite story from the Ashmolean collections or share experiences which they have enjoyed at the Museum. To find out more visit http://www.ashmolean.org/MyAshmolean.

Public appeal for the new Ashmolean
The Ashmolean has launched a public fundraising appeal in the final phase of its major redevelopment. With a donation of £50 or more, members of the public will be able to see their names or dedications inscribed on the Benefactors Bridge, linking the galleries at the heart of the Ashmolean’s new building. For more information on how to give to the appeal and to inscribe your name or dedication on the Benefactors Bridge visit www.ashmolean.org.

Transforming the Ashmolean
The Ashmolean is completing the final phase of its major £61 million redevelopment, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The renowned architect, Rick Mather, has designed a new building to provide the Museum with 39 new galleries, a new education centre, conservation studios, a walkthrough between the Museum and the Cast Gallery and Oxford’s first rooftop café. There will be no public access to the Museum and the Café until the opening in November 2009. The Shop will remain open for business as usual.

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