A Portrait of an Era of Change: The Moorish Ambassador

This fascinating painting of the Moorish Ambassador to Queen Elizabeth I represents the changing international political and religious relationships in seventeenth Century England, whilst also being highly significant to the world of literature as a possible inspiration for Shakespeare's Othello.

A Modern View of the Ancient Past: The Canopic Jar

Canopic jars are used in the mummification process and thus represent Ancient Egyptian customs. This particular Jar has come to symbolise how modern scientific, medical and technological procedures have potential to enhance historical studies.

The Art of Language: A Humument

This selection of ten screen-printed pages from Tom Phillips' A Humument give a fascinating example of the wider aspects of the artist's project, whilst being a kaleidoscopic work appealing to lovers of art and language.

Beyond the Dance Mask: African Masks

Masquerade us enacted in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa for entertainment, enlightenment, religious celebration and political control. The dance masks of the Danford Collection provide a wonderful picture of the history, significance and art of the masquerade culture.

The Spiritual Scientist: Sir Oliver Lodge

This charming caricature is more than a drawing from Vanity Fair. It offers an insight into the characteristics and life of Sir Oliver Lodge: a prominent, and sometimes controversial, scientist of the early twentieth century and one of the founding fathers of the University of Birmingham.

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Text by Nadia Awal and Marcia Turner, with special thanks to Laurent Gautier for the website and design.