Research Seminar | Art Materials and Empire

About this event

Research Seminar | Art Materials and Empire Wednesday 7 October 2026, 4:15 – 5.30pm Lecture Theatre 2 (room G11), Alan Walters Building, University of Birmingham Hybrid event, free A research seminar hosted by the Department of Art History, Curating and Visual Studies. With Dr Bharti Parmar (Artist and Honorary Research Fellow, University of Birmingham) and Dr Kate Nichols (Associate Professor, Department of Art History, Curating and Visual Studies, University of Birmingham). This event is part of the nationwide Art History Festival organised by the Association for Art History.  Where do art materials come from? Who was involved in their extraction and processing? What ecologies, labour relations, and colonial power dynamics do these materials embody? Join artist Dr Bharti Parmar and art historian Dr Kate Nichols to explore the connections between art materials and empire, past and present. Each speaker will reflect on how their work considers the relationship between art materials and imperialism, followed by a conversation and Q&A. Parmar will discuss her engagement with cotton, while Nichols examines the varnishes and oils used by Victorian artists. Together, we will consider the new stories we might tell about art works if we take seriously the stuff that they are made from. The seminar will be followed by a drinks reception from 5:30 – 6:30pm in the Mason Lounge, Arts Building, University of Birmingham. Hybrid event information: Online: Please register via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2001067654221?aff=oddtdtcreator Campus: Lecture Theatre 2 (room G11), Alan Walters Building, University of Birmingham. No need to register if attending on campus. Access The Alan Walters building has step-free access and automatic doors at the entrance There is step-free access throughout the building, and a lift to other floors There is an accessible toilet in the building for more information, see AccessAble or feel free to contact our team at [email protected]