Kettle's Yard, art museum
Kettle's Yard is an art museum and house belonging to the University of Cambridge, composed of converted cottages that display modern and contemporary works. The building integrates living spaces with galleries, presenting paintings and sculptures by artists such as Ben Nicholson and Lucie Rie arranged informally alongside everyday objects.
Jim Ede, a former Tate Gallery curator, founded the space in 1956 as a home and art collection, preserving early 20th century works and opening his doors to visitors each afternoon. He transferred the house and collection to the University in 1966, with later expansions including a modern exhibition wing in 1970 and an education wing completed in 2018.
The name refers to Jim Ede's vision of creating a space where art exists as part of everyday life rather than isolated in a museum setting. Visitors notice how artworks sit alongside furniture and ordinary objects, showing that creativity can appear naturally in any home.
The museum is easily accessible and located near other university buildings and gardens in Cambridge. Various options exist for visitors with disabilities, including lifts, ramps, large print texts, and touch tours that make artworks experiential, with virtual tours also available online.
The house preserves a distinctive collection of early artworks that Jim Ede selected during his lifetime, reflecting his friendships with artists and giving the collection a personal character rather than an institutional feel. This intimate gathering of pieces tells the story of art history through one person's eye and relationships.
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