‘The arts and humanities are essential to providing solutions to some of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. But we also contribute to the world's knowledge in a variety of wonderful and weird ways. The fascinating objects on display will hopefully pique people’s interest, get them engaged and encourage them to find out a little bit more about the research we do. Be curious, and get to know a bit about us!’
Professor Marion Thain, Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts & Humanities
08 November 2023
Curiosity Cabinet showcases 'antiquities and oddities' on the Strand
The new exhibition at 171 Strand displays interesting artefacts and objects showcasing King’s research.
The Curiosity Cabinet, a new exhibition space dedicated to ‘curious people and curious objects’, opened at 171 Strand on 8 November. Created by the Faculty of Arts & Humanities and King’s Culture, it tells the story of some extraordinary arts and humanities research by staff and students at King’s – using the physical and digital objects that have inspired or emerged from it.
The first iteration of the outdoor exhibition – includes objects spanning from a sex robot to a mammoth tooth – was curated by Professor Sacha Golob.
‘The challenge faced by academia lies in conveying the results of research to the wider public. If we want to have a more thought-out public debate, we need to find new ways of bringing our ideas out there. With the Curiosity Cabinet, we have that opportunity. Our eye-catching and intriguing antiquities and oddities will hopefully encourage a conversation with the public.’
Professor Sacha Golob, Vice-Dean, Faculty of Arts & Humanities
The first exhibition includes 10 objects representing research from the Departments of Classics, Music, Digital Humanities, History, Theology & Religious Studies and Culture, Media & Creative Industries. It also showcases an item submitted by the winner of the student Curiosity Cabinet competition – whose item will be on display in the cabinet and was the recipient of a £200 prize.
‘My textile project, born from my background in fashion design and current pursuit of a Master's degree in Cultural and Creative Industries, serves as a vivid embodiment of my educational journey. This project is a deeply personal exploration of my family of origin, as seen through the lens of my unique experiences and the cultural and creative insights I've gained during my academic pursuits’.
Yvonne Yang, postgraduate student, CMCI
The Curiosity Cabinet is a rolling free-to-visit exhibition. You can find out more about it here.
Applications will shortly be invited for Residencies, allowing staff and students to take over the space for displays showcasing their research: if you are interested, please email sacha.golob@kcl.ac.uk.
Design and installation by Unknown Works.
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Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts & Humanities
Professor of Philosophy