Architecture and art

Sidgwick Hall at Newnham from the gardens

Discover Newnham’s architecture, art collection and contemporary art projects

Newnham’s buildings, warm and glowing with red brick. make an immediate impression on any visitor – and our students, staff and Fellows say they are one of the most special aspects of being here.

Newnham College was in the unusual and fortunate position to have had a College architect, Basil Champneys, from the first building on the site in 1875 – ‘Newnham Hall’, now known as Old Hall – to the completion of Peile Hall in 1910. Subsequent architects have relished the chance to respond to Champney’s designs.

Art is on display throughout Newnham’s buildings and gardens, reflecting the identity and enhancing the cultural life of the College.  The collection includes works by Dame Laura Knight, Lucy Madox Brown, Gertrude Hermes, William De Morgan, Mary Fedden and many others, The collection is notable for its outstanding portraits of women academics, such as Pernel Strachey by Henry Lamb and Jane Harrison by Augustus John.  Newnham also has an ambitious programme of contemporary art commissions and acquisitions.