18 | FOREVER Keele
A Potteries Parthenon : The Bird Cote by Arthur Berry , by kind permission of the Estate .
Food Bank by Ian Mood
Keele ’ s Art Collection : a short history
Keele University ’ s Art Collection has a rich and diverse history that spans several decades . The collection was established shortly after the founding of Keele University with a donation from Sir Barnet Stross , and his wife Olive Stross , towards setting up a ‘ Paintings on Loan ’ scheme for the University . Barnett Stross was a renowned physician and politician , and was locally known for his efforts in the Lidice Shall Live campaign .
The original donation included works from wellknown artists such as L . S Lowry , Jacob Kramer , Jacob Epstein and Henry Moore , and included a variety of pieces , ranging from paintings and sculptures to prints and drawings . These artworks showcased different styles , themes , and periods , reflecting Stross ’ diverse taste and interests . Stross ’ generosity serves as a testament to the importance of philanthropy in supporting the arts and education . His donations have left a lasting impact on the Keele University Art Collection , allowing future generations to benefit from his love for art and his commitment to enriching the cultural landscape of the University .
In the following decades , the collection continued to grow and develop , responding to changing art trends and educational needs , and receiving further gifts from artists including Barbara Hepworth and commissioning new works and residencies . More recently , the University has been lucky to receive donations of work to the collection from local and international artists including work by Arthur Berry , kindly donated by the artist ’ s Estate ; Ian Mood , an artist based in Newcastle-under-Lyme ; and Semaan Khawam , a Lebanese-Syrian artist who recently held a solo exhibition on campus .