Decorative Arts and Historic Interiors – (M.A.)

This unique MA in French and British Decorative Arts and Interiors is taught by the University of Buckingham in collaboration with the Wallace Collection, home to one of the finest collections of French eighteenth-century fine and decorative arts in the world. Much of the teaching takes place in the Wallace Collection galleries, drawing upon the unrivalled resources of the Collection and the expertise of the museum’s curatorial staff. Outside experts from the Victoria and Albert Museum, the National Trust and other institutions also participate in the teaching. With its focus on first-hand study of the decorative arts within the historic interior, the programme provides a thorough practical and academic training, which has enabled students to pursue careers in museums, interior design, antique dealing, auctioneering and the National Trust (see What our students and alumni say). The MA is generously supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

The MA focuses upon the development of interiors and decorative arts in England and France in the “long” eighteenth century (c.1660-1830) and their subsequent rediscovery and reinterpretation in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. A key element of the course is the emphasis on the first-hand study of furniture, silver and ceramics, where possible in the context of historic interiors. There are frequent trips to collections in and around London, and a study week at Buckingham exploring local country houses such as Woburn Abbey, Waddesdon Manor, Boughton and Blenheim Palace, with their important decorative arts collections. In the second term there is a study week in Paris, where students have an opportunity to explore some of the private apartments at Versailles not normally accessible to the public, as well as a number of very important eighteenth-century private houses in Paris, open by special permission.

The MA is designed to appeal principally to those wishing to make careers in The National Trust, English Heritage, antique-dealing and auctioneering, museums, interior design or university teaching and research. Those with a strong personal interest in the subject are also welcome.

The University would like to acknowledge the financial support of the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation for this MA programme.