About

Held at the library in the University of Sussex is one of the most important collections of Chinese art in the country. The Barlow Collection is named after the authority on Chinese Art, Sir Alan Barlow (1881-1968) and features 3,000 years of major Chinese works from the Han to Qing dynasties. The collection is particularly strong in ceramics of the Song dynasty. There is public access to the collection and the University campus can be reached either by car, train or bus from central Brighton.

Collection details
Decorative and Applied Art, Fine Art

Facilities

Parking

Food

Shop

Guided Tours

Baby Changing
 
Library

Study Area

Wheelchair Access
  
Visual Disability
 
Hearing Disablity

Toilets are available in the Library building and throughout the campus.
Tea, coffee, sandwiches and snacks are available within the Library building. The University of Sussex campus also offers a wide choice of eating options. Several bars are also to be found on campus.

Description
The Barlow Collection of Chinese Ceramics, Bronzes and Jades was formed by Sir Alan Barlow (1881-1968). Educated at Marlborough and Oxford, Alan Barlow worked as a civil servant in several government departments. He served as Private Secretary to Prime Minister Ramsay Mac Donald in 1933 before transferring to the Treasury where he worked until his retirement in 1948. Much of his career was involved with the financing of education and culture, and Alan Barlow was himself an important link between government and cultural circles. He also served as president of the Oriental Ceramic Society for eighteen years (1943-1961).

Collections description
Among the finest collections of Chinese ceramics in Britain, the Barlow Collection also plays an important role in the cultural life of the University of Sussex. The collection is actively used as a teaching collection where undergraduates and postgraduates have the opportunity to learn about both museum practice, and Chinese material culture. In addition, researchers from both the UK and overseas continually make use of the Barlow and its unique resources.

Open
The Barlow Collection is open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 11:30 and 2:30.
Visits and tours for groups of between 10 and 50 people can be made by special arrangement outside normal openings hours. Advance notice of at least three weeks is suggested. A donation toward the care and upkeep of the collection for such visits is also recommended. 
 
Closed
The Collection is closed during Christmas, Easter and August. Please contact the Asst. Curator for exact vacation dates as these may vary from year to year.
 
Admission charges
Admission is free although donations toward the care of the collection are always appreciated.