Category Archives: Exhibitions

Let your art leave your mark

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Unleash your creative side

The Radcliffe Science Library (RSL) Wellbeing Programme has long been a champion of encouraging our readers to show us their creative side. From our Lego Lunches, through monthly Craft & Chat to the one off events like the recent Painting for beginners class or Jewellery making, we have seen our readers produce really great work on a regular basis.

Now we would like to take this to the next level and make some of your pieces part of the fabric of the RSL by inviting you to submit work to be displayed in the Wellbeing Room and possibly other locations around the library. Let your art leave your mark on the RSL, creating something that might still be around the library long after you yourself have moved on.

The corner sofa in the Wellbeing room is surrounded by plain white walls. The amended image contains the words 'Your art here - or maybe here? - or here?' positioned in various blank spaces to illustrate where student work could appear
Your blank canvases
A poster from our recent Wellbeing Week event series. Some of these images show the other side of the Wellbeing Room where various prints already hang
Wellbeing Room in use at various events
Another angle of the sofa and the window in the Wellbeing room, surrounded by plain white walls. The amended image contains the words 'Art' positioned in various blank spaces to illustrate where student work could appear
Potential homes for suitable works

What can I submit?

We would like you to submit a photograph or digital art work on the theme of reflect and recharge, but the photograph could be a reproduction of a painting or sketch, or a photo of a scuplture, crochet piece, etc. We may be able to help create the photographic reproduction depending on the project. There are no constraints in terms of the type of pieces from painting to printing, photography to collage – as long as we are able to receive a copy of sufficient resolution (300 ppi) to make the high quality prints on boards. Use whatever medium you want to express yourself and create something beautiful and lasting.

Is there a particular theme?

The principal location of the selected piece (s) will be in the RSL Wellbeing Room so themes need to be reflective of a calming environment to support readers taking time away from their work to relax and recharge.

Does it have to be a new piece?

Absolutely not, if you have already created something that you think would be a great fit then send us some images – we’d be delighted to receive them.

Any do’s & don’ts?

Just basic awareness that the successful piece(s) will be displayed in public spaces and that would need to be borne in mind in terms of subject matter. You would also need to ensure there is no infringement on any existing copyrighted material. Any pieces created solely using AI would not be considered.

How will my work be displayed?

To some extent this will be governed by the submissions that we receive. If we receive a number of suitable pieces than we will look at our options and may create a showcase display piece that brings a number of readers works together highlighting the varied talent.

Final Decision

The libraries decision is final and any and all works selected will be chosen for how well they suit the Wellbeing Room, the Bodleian Libraries and the themes of reflect and recharge.

How do I submit my work?

It couldn’t be easier, just complete the submission form and attach the images for consideration. The form includes information on a Creative Commons licence, which you will need to agree to, this will entitle us to reproduce and display your work. Your work will always be fully credited to you and labelled as such on any display in the RSL.

The deadline for submissions is Friday 19th June 2026.

If you have any questions please contact rachel.scanlon@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Photograph of hand made woollen toys on a shelf. There is a turtle and a bee - both have been knitted or crocheted
A photograph of a cuddly dragon toy who appears to be attempting to scale a bean bag
A close up photograph of a cute hedgehog cuddly toy on a sofa

Celebrating Diversity in Science and Medicine – Exhibition and networking event at the Radcliffe Science Library

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On April 30th, the Radcliffe Science Library hosted an EDI networking event showcasing the “Portraits of Black Female Scientists” exhibition from Cambridge Black Medical Scientific Network. Representatives from local networks, Oxford University Black Medics, OxFemTech, Women in Computing Science were also part of the highlight of the event to promote the support they offer to their peers.

A photograph of a woman looking at an exhibition focused on EDI.

A student inspects the exhibition

The “Portraits of Black Female Scientists” ignited discussions on diversity in science, knowledge sharing and follow-up collaborations.

Attendees enjoyed meeting new people and listening to the guest speakers, Laura Eghobamien, founder of the Cambridge Black Medical Scientific Network (BMSN), and James Bell, the photographer.

A photo of woman and man talking.

Laura Eghobamien networking with a guest

Those who had not visited the library since its renovation took the opportunity to have a tour and view its new inclusive portraiture.

A photo of a woman working in a lab. at a

One of the new portraits on display in the RSL

Laura Eghobamien, James Bell and the Radcliffe Science Library are interested in expanding the exhibit with portraits of black scientists at Oxford.

If you would like to learn more about the exhibit and have photographs taken, please contact BlackMedical and Scientific Network blackmedicalscientificnetwork@gmail.com  or karine.barker@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

A photograph of 3 people standing in front of a display

From Left to right: Karine Barker, Laura Eghobamien, James Bell

 

Feedback from participants:

“It was much more powerful than I expected to see all these beautiful portraits shown together.  In principle I’ve always been aware that this kind of representation is important, but such a strong demonstration of the power was really important.  Inspiring”

“Thank you for the event, it was really inspiring, I made such amazing connections and got to talk about diversity in medical sciences and diversity.”

 

Melancholy: A New Anatomy exhibition and Library Lates event

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The Weston Library’s current exhibition Melancholy: A New Anatomy celebrates the 400th anniversary of Robert Burton’s Anatomy of Melancholy. First published in 1621 the text is an innovative encyclopaedia of mental and emotional disorder, as understood in the late Renaissance. 400 years later we are still exploring the different ways to treat mental health.

As part of our Library Lates series, come and join us for an interactive exploration of mind and matter, inspired by the exhibition. Explore our common experiences and connections over time through a variety of activities designed to uplift the mood and invigorate the mind.
Get creative with origami for wellbeing and myriorama making. Try laughter yoga to boost your mood or test your knowledge with brain jenga. Borrow Oxford researchers for a chat in the Living Library and enter the world of sleep. Wake up with music for the brain and print a Burton keepsake to remember his instruction ‘Be not solitary, be not idle’.

Library Lates: Melancholy – Mind & Matter

Friday 12 November 2021, 7pm until 9.30pm

Details and booking information