Press Release: The University of Buckingham is delighted to announce the launch of its MA in Decorative Arts and Historic Interiors

26 July 2011

Wednesday 9 September 2009

Programme Director Jeremy Howard, MA (Oxon), MA (London), PGCE said: “I am absolutely delighted to be given the opportunity to restart the MA in Decorative Arts and Historic Interiors. For far too long the Decorative Arts have been regarded as a Cinderella discipline within art history, but I firmly believe that they are just as worthy of academic study as the so-called “fine arts”. There are no other university courses that offer the same combination of practical and vocational training with traditional academic research skills. I feel confident that the MA will become an important training ground for future art-world professionals.”

This unique MA in French and British Decorative Arts and Interiors is taught by The University of Buckingham in collaboration with the Wallace Collection, home to one of the finest collections of French eighteenth-century fine and decorative arts in the world. Much of the teaching takes place in the Wallace Collection galleries, drawing upon the unrivalled resources of the Collection and the expertise of the museum’s curatorial staff. Outside experts from the Victoria and Albert Museum, the National Trust and other institutions also participate in the teaching.

The programme provides a thoroughly practical and academic training, which has enabled students to pursue careers in museums, interior design, antique dealing, auctioneering and the National Trust.

Former student, now Head Head of Arts and Historic Collections, Chatsworth, Matthew Hirst said: “I can think of no better foundation for my career than the MA in Historic Interiors and Decorative Arts. I constantly call upon the in-depth knowledge I gained during my studies. The thorough teaching and the vast array of experts who were called upon for lectures and visits make this course second to none.”

The course starts each September and finishes the following September and is designed to appeal principally to those wishing to make careers in The National Trust, English Heritage, antique-dealing and auctioneering, museums, interior design or university teaching and research. Those with a strong personal interest in the subject are also welcome.

For more information on the course, please contact:

Programme Director, Jeremy Howard (jeremy.howard@buckingham.ac.uk), or Linda Waterman (linda.waterman@buckingham.ac.uk). See also the Wallace Collection’s website.

Contact details:

Publicity Office
University of Buckingham
Tel:    +44 (0)1280 820213
Email: publicity@buckingham.ac.uk