Information from the Bute Foundation, 23 July 2015
Bute Fellowship
The Bute Foundation in partnership with Mount Stuart Trust and The Hunterian, University of Glasgow are pleased to announce the inaugural award in a new fellowship programme. We are offering a first class scholar an exciting opportunity to explore the complex frameworks of patronage and collecting in Britain during the 18th century, using the inspirational and renowned private art collection and archive based at Mount Stuart.
Based on the Isle of Bute, and with excellent accommodation included, the Bute Fellow will have use of office space at Mount Stuart as well as access to facilities at Glasgow University, which will also provide academic support.
The Bute Collection is one of the foremost private collections of artwork and artefacts in the UK, and is especially notable for its 17th -century Dutch and Flemish Old Masters, Italian 16th-century masterpieces as well as British portraiture from the 18th and 19th centuries. The collection also houses a variety of archives, books, furniture, silverwork and porcelain, reflecting the interests of various generations of the Bute family. The picture collection was largely built up by the 3rd Earl of Bute, who was a notable patron of Jean-Etienne Liotard, Allan Ramsay, Johann Zoffany and Sir Joshua Reynolds. As a connoisseur, the Earl influenced the collections of James Lowther, 1st Earl of Lowther, as well as George III.
Programme of work and outcomes
The Fellow will work under the supervision of the Head of Collections at Mount Stuart but with regular contact with colleagues in The Hunterian, in order to:
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Compile a body of rigorous academic research on the extensive 18th-century Bute art collection as it relates to the wider milieu of 18 th-century collecting and patronage in Britain.
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Curate an exhibition at the Hunterian Art Gallery in 2017 and write/edit a publication to accompany and enhance this exhibition.
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Organise and facilitate a research conference in 2017 based on the themes of the research fellowship and the wider opportunities for research within the Bute collection.
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Actively fundraise for the fellowship.
Remuneration
The post is for two years. There is a salary of £18,500, in addition which accommodation will be provided on the Mount Stuart estate on the Isle of Bute.
Eligibility and experience
You will have a PhD in History of Art, specialising in old master painting, or have equivalent experience. The post holder will have extensive experience of working in a museum and with publishers. Other desirable experience: a modern language, preferably Dutch.
To Apply
Please send a full curriculum vitae detailing education and professional experience, awards and publications, the names of two referees, along with a covering letter outlining your interest in the proposed project and area of research to Peter.Black@Glasgow.ac.uk Informal enquiries may also be sent to Alice@mountstuart.com
Closing date for applications 28 August
Interviews will take place at Mount Stuart in the week of 14 September. The Fellow will be expected to take up the appointment from 1 October 2015.
