Discovering the artwork and object collection

The SOAS Gallery is pleased to present ‘Discovering the Artwork and Object Collection’, an exhibition that showcases highlights from SOAS’s own collection of over 600 artworks and objects. 

Spanning the 12th Century to the present day, these artefacts have been selected to represent the diverse array of subjects and regions studied at SOAS. The primary purpose of this exhibition is to facilitate teaching, research, and scholarly exploration. By engaging with these objects, visitors gain insights into art, culture, history, and contemporary contexts across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The exhibition is situated in the Foyle Gallery, within the SOAS Gallery. 

Supporting teaching and research

The collection has evolved organically through donations, gifts, and bequests from visiting dignitaries, SOAS staff, alumni, and individuals passionate about SOAS’s academic disciplines. A consistent thread throughout the collection’s growth—from its inception to the present day—has been the deliberate selection of objects for use in teaching and research. Consequently, the collection encompasses a wide array of materials, production techniques, and artistic concepts. 

Among its holdings are modern and contemporary paintings, historic artworks, ceramics, sculptures, and metalwork. Notably, these objects play a pivotal role in both teaching and research at SOAS, serving as valuable educational resources and contributing to public displays.

The history of the collection

The origins of the SOAS Artwork & Object Collection trace back to the establishment of the School of Oriental Studies (SOS) in 1916, following the receipt of its Royal Charter. Since its inception, artworks and objects have been integral to teaching, aligning with SOS’s mission to advance academic knowledge of Asia and provide practical instruction. 

The school rapidly became instrumental in training British administrators and colonial officials for overseas service. In 1938, SOS expanded its focus to include African studies, leading to its renaming as SOAS. Over time, SOAS has evolved into a globally recognized university, addressing critical global issues and serving as a hub for teaching and research.

The SOAS Gallery, inaugurated in 1995, has hosted numerous significant international exhibitions curated by leading artists, photographers, and researchers. It now serves as the permanent home for the SOAS Object and Artwork Collection. 

The formalization of this diverse array of objects into a cohesive collection occurred during the 2007 launch exhibition titled ‘Objects of Instruction.’ Subsequently, the Foyle Special Collection Gallery was established to house the Collection. As SOAS continues to explore multifaceted and critical perspectives, the collection expands to reflect the breadth of academic inquiry undertaken at the institution.