The picture collection at Trinity Hall is one which reflects the history and tradition of the College – small, intimate and, for want of a better word, personal. Since our foundation we have lacked the wealth to compete with our royal neighbours at Trinity and King's Colleges for great works of art. A number of paintings tell the story of the College through portraits of a succession of notable Fellows and Masters. One such painting is of Sir John Lyons by John Bellany, who was artist in residence. He collaborated with our Fellow and eminent surgeon, Sir Roy Calne, whose own painting 'Mr Sloots and Mr Wright having Tea' captures a friendly moment between two respected members of staff, while his portraits of Shaun Wylie and Thaddeus Mann (Fellows, friends and colleagues) are enjoyed by visitors. Unfortunately the college has lacked a collection of contemporary works, so over the past eight years we have built up a collection of modern paintings by local artists such as Tess Recordon and Charlotte Cornish, in addition to works by Hughie O’Donoghue, following exhibitions of their work in the College. The dramatic paintings by Martin Bloch (on loan from the family foundation) are much admired by our students, but the painting that is perhaps most enjoyed by visitors to the College is the 'Degree Day' by Robert Farren, a large canvas which captures a Cambridge scene outside the Senate House on that special day in 1863.
It is stressed that that the paintings at Trinity Hall are not in public ownership. In accordance with the charitable aims of the College, which is a private institution, its collection is included on this website to widen public awareness and for the benefit of scholarship. The paintings are hung throughout the College, mainly in private areas. Access to paintings is normally reserved to those involved in academic research, who should apply to: The Picture Steward, Trinity Hall, Cambridge CB2 1TJ.
It is stressed that that the paintings at Trinity Hall are not in public ownership. In accordance with the charitable aims of the College, which is a private institution, its collection is included on this website to widen public awareness and for the benefit of scholarship. The paintings are hung throughout the College, mainly in private areas. Access to paintings is normally reserved to those involved in academic research, who should apply to: The Picture Steward, Trinity Hall, Cambridge CB2 1TJ.