Canny Curation: The art of running a successful exhibition

Last week we had the privilege of hearing from Christopher Burgess, Head of Exhibitions and Public Programmes at Cambridge University Library. Chris talked with guest interviewer, Sue Keogh about his work at the library, giving some great insight and funny anecdotes along the way.

The vision behind the library

Cambridge University Library’s iconic design was created by Giles Gilbert Scott who also designed part of Clare College. It was funded by colleges and private donors, the largest of whom was the famous philanthropist John D.Rockefeller!

The initial design was rejected for lacking dramatic flair, leading to the addition of the tower, which has become a defining and iconic feature. The library houses an astonishing collection of books, with estimates ranging between six to ten million volumes. Each floor of the tower represents a different century, meticulously organised in the sequence they were acquired.

Unique features and collections

One of the library’s quirkiest features is its book return system, where books are inserted back through what resembles a telephone box.

Additionally, the library maintains an off-site storage facility in nearby Ely which used to be a soft play centre! This secondary collection includes materials librarians believe would interest academics and is not limited to books alone.

A highlight was learning about the collection’s rare items, many first editions and rare prints. There’s a copy of every book published in the 20th century stored in the tower.

One remarkable story involved Agatha Christie. She insisted she would be the one to write the last Poirot novel, but thought she might die in WW2. So she wrote a Poirot novel and kept it in a safe, where it remained unpublished until the 1970s!

Chris always tries to remain objective when putting on an exhibition, but he found it very difficult for the Spitting Image exhibition. Apart from being a big fan, Chris was completely taken in by the charisma of Peter Fluck and Roger Law, the creators. Even the producer of the ITV revival of Spitting Image, the great John Lloyd, invited Chris to the Groucho Club to for lunch!

Exhibitions and curatorial insights

Chris told us that curating an exhibition at this library is an intricate process. He told us about the thought and planning that goes into creating engaging displays with the exhibition curator collaborating with designers and researchers to tell compelling stories.

For example, the 17th-century Arabic manuscripts and the Darwin exhibition were highlighted. The latter included Darwin’s notebooks, which went missing for 20 years before mysteriously being returned in a pink folder in an area of the library without CCTV coverage.

The process of creating an exhibition involves telling a story that expands the audience’s knowledge and sparks conversations. What are we saying about the world?

Notable exhibitions have been designed by talents like Hannah Warwick, who previously collaborated with Craig Oldham on exhibitions for us. Hannah designed the current exhibition, Murder by the Book: A Celebration of 20th Century British Crime Fiction. These exhibitions aim to be visually appealing and informative, often using clever marketing techniques to attract visitors.

Engaging the community and sustainability efforts

The library is not just a repository of books but a community hub.

Efforts are ongoing to work with local groups, such as the Black British Voices project, which surveyed 10,000 people to explore diverse perspectives within the collection. This inclusive approach helps create exhibitions that resonate with a broader audience.

Sustainability is also a key focus. The library ensures that vinyls in current exhibitions are recycled and recyclable, and books are displayed on bespoke, recycled material cradles. Discussions are ongoing in the wider exhibiting community about the environmental impact of travelling exhibitions, drawing lessons from global tours like the Bowie exhibition.

Design and display

The library places significant emphasis on the design and presentation of its exhibitions.

Working with both graphic and spatial designers, the aim is to create immersive and engaging displays. The story of a 12th century 7-metre-long scroll handwritten in gold on indigo paper, exemplifies the beauty and meticulousness of these displays. The text is a copy of the Lotus Sutra, a key Buddhist scripture in East Asia. Find more about it on the library’s site.

The curators strive to break down barriers and make the exhibitions accessible. For instance, they ensure prominent use of “FREE EXHIBITION” on marketing to attract more visitors! This approach has proven successful, drawing in a diverse audience from various backgrounds.

The process of putting together an exhibition involves a lead time of about three years, with careful preparation to ensure the preservation of delicate items.

Future prospects

Looking ahead, the library plans to continue its tradition of insightful and engaging exhibitions. From exploring early science with the Cambridge Philosophical Society to potential exhibitions on football – the future looks promising.

Final thoughts

Overall, the event was a testament to the library’s commitment to preserving knowledge, fostering community engagement, and embracing sustainability. It was an inspiring glimpse into the inner workings of one of the world’s most revered libraries, leaving attendees with a deeper appreciation for the meticulous effort that goes into maintaining such an esteemed institution.

Thanks again to Christopher Burgess , and Sue Keogh for interviewing.

Now go visit the Library!