Ushaw College Administration: Objects and Museum Records

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Introduction

Administrative History

Contents

Arrangement

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Catalogue

1. Paintings and Artworks

2. Liturgical Objects

3. Furnishings

4. Museum Collections

5. Printed Auction Catalogues

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Administrative History

The paintings at Ushaw College include some notable originals and copies of famous works, many of which, as the papers indicate, have subsequently been sold on, such as Perugino’s Annunciation, a possible Van Dyke portrait of Reuben’s first wife, a Van de Neer painting, and a German diptych, as well as many others. Of those paintings still remaining at the college, by far the most important is a rare work by Franz von Rohden (Crucifixion). Indeed, the college owns five Rohden paintings which is the largest collection by this Nazarene artist anywhere in Britain. Many paintings were originally purchased by the presidents for the college. Charles Newsham (1837-1863), for example, acquired Rohden's Crucifixion, as well as a number of paintings no longer at the college, including a St Charles Borromeo painting and a portrait of Mary Magdalene.
Ushaw College also possess an impressive collection of liturgical objects that were used in the performances of Mass. This includes a chalice of 17th century Italian origin used during a mass by Pope Gregory XVI. There is also a large 17th century Dutch silver monstrance, church plate designed by Augustus and Edward Pugin and an 18th century silver server and 18th and 19th century pyxes and oil stocks. There are numerous gold and silver chalices associated with various persons attached to Ushaw College. There is a large collection of vestments and vestment accessories showing the change in vestment styles over the centuries. The collection includes 14th century maniple panels and three 15th century vestments including the Westminster vestment which is said to have been used at Westminster Abbey before the reformation. There is also a 17th century white cope and lace surplice and a collection of 18th century French red vestments. Finally there are 19th century Pugin vestments and others of an ornate gothic style and a range of 20th century vestments.
The college contains a large collection of antique furniture dating from the 18th – early 20th century. This includes bookcases, desks and wardrobes used by the professors and students and also some fine pieces of furniture designed by Augustus Pugin including a desk and Edward Pugin dining table. There is also a set of salon chairs and a post box originally used on the H.M.S. Berengaria bought at auction by the college. Added to this is old furniture of a lesser value used around the work rooms and kitchens.
Ushaw College once housed a vast collection of objects displayed in its own museum. Whilst most of it has been sold at auction what remains includes numerous papal medals, a great seal from Queen Victoria, 9th century Northumbrian coins, 13th century coins, and Assingnats from the French Revolution.

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Contents

Records relating to the Ushaw College objects and museum collections, including paintings and artworks; liturgical objects (vestments and church plate); furnishings, as well as the museum collections. The papers include inventories, correspondence on authenticity and value, as well as correspondence with Sotheby's and Anderson & Garland on the sale of items.
The papers are particularly revealing in providing evidence of ownership for paintings subsequently sold by the college.

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Accession details

Transferred to the archive holdings at various times when no longer in use.

Conditions of access

Open for consultation.

Copyright and copying

Permission to make any published use of material from the collection must be sought in advance from ushaw.library@durham.ac.uk and, where appropriate, from the copyright owner. The Library will assist where possible with identifying copyright owners, but responsibility for ensuring copyright clearance rests with the user of the material

Arrangement

1. Paintings and Artworks
2. Liturgical Objects
3. Furnishings
4. Museum Collections
5. Printed Sale Catalogues

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Catalogue

1. Paintings and Artworks
2. Liturgical Objects
3. Furnishings
4. Museum Collections
5. Printed Auction Catalogues