The Feast of Wisdom

1
Margaret Mullett/ Shan McAnena Institute of
Byzantine Studies/art_at_queens
The Feast of Wisdom Developing Learning and
Teaching Fund
Introduction This DLT project between the
Institute of Byzantine Studies and art_at_queens
explores the nature of artistic patronage in
Byzantium by allowing a second level class to act
as patrons to an artist in residence, Colin
McGookin.
Aim of the Project The aim of the project is to
produce a metaByzantine wall-painting programme
in the yard of the Institute, while allowing
students to develop their group, negotiation and
communication skills with their teachers and the
artist.
Potential benefits to students understanding of
the process of patronage in Byzantium and
elsewhere awareness of practical and technical
constraints understanding of technical aspects
of Byzantine wall-painting and of other
media opportunity to explain their work to
different audiences (from primary-age children
to the Vice-Chancellor)
The group of students who were involved in the
programme for a monastic refectory drawn up by
the module Byzantine Patronage. It was launched
on 13 May 2003 by Queens Vice-Chancellor,Profes
sor Sir George Bain
Current status, outcomes, projects wider
applicability The module was begun in second
semester 200203, the artist appointed, visiting
lecturers from Greece, Scotland and the USA
consulted and by mid-March the scaffolding had
arrived. Students finalised their plan, wrote up
their report and individual papers, and after
Easter visited four local primary schools to
explain Byzantium and its art. The group work was
commended by the external examiner. The use of an
artist in residence, the negotiation model, the
combination of historical and practical
approaches, and the collaboration between
Byzantine Studies, ILL and art_at_queens are all
transferable.