Post-1945 Art Collections and Regional Research Networks

Taking a consciously regional perspective, this volume evaluates the mechanisms and motivations that underpin collaborations between higher education and public art galleries in the Midlands and Northwest of England. Presenting a series of case studies of collaborative projects undertaken by the co-authors, the chapters argue for the importance of developing equitable and sustainable partnerships across sectors, setting mutual long-term goals, the respectful articulation of respective priorities, and identifying shared ethical values. These proposed ideal conditions, developed through collaborative practice, are framed by, and rooted in, specific regional contexts of exhibition production and spectatorship, museum funding, the civic function of universities, and local art histories and cultural identities. The authors show how co-produced research can harness regionally-rooted expertise to intervene in nationally-relevant debates around British cultural histories and identities, as well as contribute to the broader discourse around regional practice and collaboration. The book will be of interest to scholars working in art history, museum studies, and curatorial studies.

Sophie Hatchwell is Co-Deputy Head of Research (Impact) for the School of Languages, Cultures, Art History and Music and Associate Professor in History of Art at the University of Birmingham, UK Hana Leaper is Reader in History of Art and Museum Studies, John Moores Painting Prize Embedded Post Holder, Co-director Exhibition Research Lab, and Programme Leader Exhibition Studies MA at Liverpool John Moores University, UK

Introduction: Art Histories, Regional Museums and the Research Ecosystem 1. Developing inter-regional networks for art-historical research into post-war collections 2. Embedded researchers: incubating art-historical and curatorial research collaborations in the North West of England 3. Midland Art Papers: collaborative art-historical research in the Midlands 4. Re-thinking post-war British art history through regional collections Conclusion