A Taste for the Beautiful: Zairian Art from the Hampton University Museum (1993, Hardcover)

Description

Hampton University is proud to present its extraordinary collection of Zairian art in this generously illustrated book. Since 1922, when Hampton purchased some 400 pieces that alumnus William H. Sheppard acquired during his twenty years in Africa, the school has made use of a variety of vehicles through which these superb materials might become known. The rich and diverse collection was to be used by students, scholars, and a broad public for teaching, learning, creative inspiration, and individual enrichment. Thus the works of art immediately were exhibited in the school’s museum and during the 1920s, articles were published on them in Hampton’s literary periodical, The Southern Workman. In more recent years selected pieces have been published in numerous textbooks, monographs, and periodicals, and loans have been made to other museums for a few exhibitions. This book enables Hampton University for the first time to share in a format suitable for wide dissemination, the quality, scope and depth of its Kuba collection which now has grown well beyond the initial group acquired from William Sheppard.

In 1868, when General Samuel Chapman Armstrong founded Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, an important part of his vision was the development of a strong museum collection. From its earliest years, a goal established at Hampton was the development of cross–cultural and international understanding. A thoughtfully gathered collection of fine and traditional art and natural history specimens from around the world would provide the resources to realistically pursue this goal.

—Excerpt from “Foreword” by William R. Harvey, Ed.D., President, Hampton University

Authors
Mary Lou Hultgren, Jeanne Zeidler, David A. Binkley, Patricia Darish

Bibliographic Details

Title:

A Taste for the Beautiful: Zairian Art from  the Hampton University Museum

Publisher:

The Hampton University Museum, Hampton, Virginia

Publication Date:              1993

Binding:                                Casebound Hardcover

Book Condition:                Excellent

Book Type:                          Exhibition Catalogue

Shipping Terms:

All books are padded and wrapped carefully. Most are shipped in a box, unless very small, in which case they will be shipped in a padded envelope.