Natural History Illustration: Collectors and Collections

Overview

This self-paced online module focuses on the development of Natural History Illustration through the lens of collectors and national collections. You will use primary source material in order to develop academic writing skills and present a collection to your peers to add to the community learning forum. Through online mini lectures, course tasks, discussion boards, writing workshops and assessed presentations, you will gain a knowledge of important national and international collections and collectors who have had a huge influence on the genre, and their histories. The module aims to develop skills which students can apply to other Art History modules as well as professional development skills in communication and writing for an audience. Above all, the module aims to help students develop greater confidence, encouraging them to access, research and share museum collections. Varied methods of delivery will provide an inclusive approach to students of different abilities and learning styles.

Programme

All Units will be presented as self-paced study on Blackboard with direction from the tutor through email and Tutorial.

Unit 1: Power and patronage – royal collections and commissions

Unit 2: Explorers and expeditions – travel, colonization, and natural history collections

Unit 3: The Private Collector

Unit 4: Taming a collection – organisation and display of natural history collections

Unit 5: Types of collections 1 – Living collections

Unit 6: Types of collection 2 – prints, books, and illustrations

Unit 7: Types of collections 3 – photographs, wax, plaster, glass – collections in various media

Unit 8: Artist collections

Unit 9: Writing & Presentation Workshop

Learning Outcomes

1. Define what a natural history collection is and identify key national collections/collectors.
2. Discuss the major influences behind natural history collections and collectors.
3. Differentiate between the diverse types of objects and collections that constitute natural history collecting.
4. Visually analyse different natural history collection objects.
5. Explain, assess, and present to their peers the history and scope of a collection.

Assessments

1. Unit Tasks - 20%
2. Report - 20%
3. Presentation - 60%

Reading Suggestions

Additional reading list available on request.

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

A list of materials, not included in the course fees, will be available prior to the course start date.