Author: Roisin Astell

First day on campus!

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It’s official. My third year has begun. We had our ‘Welcome Back’ briefing meeting today, which has mentally prepared me (and scared me a little) for what this year holds for me. This autumn term I have one module, Death and Devotion, and I shall begin to research for my dissertation. Basically, I’ll be doing a lot of reading this year, so nothing too new! It was great to see everyone back, and now the wheels are in motion and I should really begin to crack on with my work.  Good-bye summer, hello autumn!

End of summer, and back to York I go

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I cannot believe how quickly the last three months have gone, and boy has this summer been extremely busy for me. When I wasn’t on holiday or exploring Europe, I luckily had various internships to give me a great insight into the world of art! In July I went to Paris for a few days with my family, immersing myself in all things historic and cultural that was on offer. This was my first time to Paris, and I had an amazing time. We explored all the major art galleries including the Louvre and theMusée d’Orsay. Highlights for myself was going into Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle. These are the most beautiful sacred spaces that I have been in, and the stained glass is just exquisite. I could have spent my whole time in each of these places! I am even more fortunate this up-coming term as part of a module that I am studying, Death and Devotion (a module I cannot wait to get started! – it is my ultimate course, all my favourite things for …

University: What to take!

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My room at University! I just wanted to say a big well done for all those who are coming to the University of York to study History of Art! I’m so jealous of you all starting your very first year, and I can guarantee that you’ll have the most amazing time, both here in York and throughout your degree. I thought to ease the burden and the stress, and to lend a helping hand for all those about to embark on their new life here at York (and where ever else you are going if you’re reading this), I would comprise a list of all the things I think you need and should bring to uni. The horrible stress of A-Levels is now over and done, and you’ve left behind the constraining school environment. University is an amazing path to take in life, and I’m so thrilled that I’m there as well. So now you might be thinking, ‘What on earth should I take?!’ Well do not fear as I have composed a list of what I feel is …

#AskaCurator day – get your questions answered!

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Today twitter will be inundated with people voicing questions and queries to gallery and museum curators.  Connecting experts in venues both large and small directly to people of the public, the public who help maintain these venues by attending exhibitions and events, #AskaCurator day invites both parties to ask the questions that they seek answers to – and all through the medium of twitter! What is great about this is that there seems to be little chance for curators and the public to properly interact, and is a great means for those who don’t normally have access to particular museums or galleries to gain that insight they so long to have. #AskaCurator day is open to absolutely everyone – museums, galleries, historic or cultural buildings, theatres – and the public can ask them anything they’re curious about or want more information on. There will be over 525 museums and galleries in around 34 countries taking place in this online event. Click here to see which venue and institution has signed up:  http://www.mardixon.com/wordpress/2013/08/who-to-ask-on-september-18th-for-askacurator-askacurator/ This is a fantastic opportunity, …

‘Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.’

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    Hey guys, and welcome to my new blog which is centered around being a History of Art student here at the University of York. If you’re reading this then I guess you’re about to start your first year here with us – You’ve made a fantastic choice to come and study at York, one you won’t regret! I hope that during this year I offer you an interesting and helpful insight into the life of third year (such a scary thought going into my a last year – where have the years gone?!). If you have any questions about starting or anything York/ History of Art/ or university life in general do not hesitate to ask me! Roisin