Arts

Celebrating 40 years of university life

Walking & Talking, the exhibition marking the 40 year history of the University, opens at the Gallery this month.

Over the past six months Celine Condorelli and Gavin Wade, the University's Artists in Residence, have walked around the University grounds documenting the memories and thoughts of those with a connection to the University - from the first ever student and a 1970s activists to those responsible for keeping the University up and running: administrators, cleaners, lecturers and security guards.

Dr Maria Iacovou, from the Institute for Social and Economic Research, took part in the exhibition. Her 'walk and talk' follows her daily route to and from the Nursery. Maria explained: 'Since having my first child four years ago, the Nursery has been an integral part of my life. I know many parents manage to go out to work without the luxury of a workplace nursery, but having a nursery here on campus must have saved me hundreds of hours in journey times - and there's great peace of mind in knowing your child is being cared for only minutes away from your desk.

'The journey takes me across Squares 3 and 4, under the Hexagon where I'm greeted with a powerful blast of hot air and fabric conditioner perfume from the launderette, and past the North Towers, one of the windiest places on earth. My feelings on walking the route are different each way. My walk from Nursery to office is the first time each day when I don't have a child slung round some part of my body, so although I'm on my way to work I feel a sense of liberation. Walking back to the Nursery at the end of the day is also wonderful, because I'm on my way to meet the people I love most in the world. I had never thought much about this walk before - it was just something I did every day - but sharing it with Celine helped me see it through new eyes, as something many-layered and rich in meaning.'

Also on display will be the architect's original model of the campus development, which included 26 residential towers

The walks and talks will be mapped out for visitors to follow and there will be opportunities to read the interviews. Visitors can also leave behind their stories by adding photographs or memories to the Gallery walls. Those who are unable to visit the exhibition can also contribute by posting their photos or memories to the Gallery.

To coincide with the exhibition, there will be a series of educational events for adults and children.

Walking & Talking will be at the University Gallery from 17 February to 26 March. Admission is free. Opening times are as follows: Monday to Friday 11am to 5pm, Saturday 1pm to 4.30pm. For further information contact the Gallery on 01206 873184.