Reflections of eighteenth century Britain

‘From Reason to Revolution: Art and Society in Eighteenth Century Britain' features paintings, prints, drawings and ceramics which examine the so-called ‘Age of Reason', an era of religious, cultural and political change.

The free exhibition considers the ‘Grand Tour', the cultural pilgrimage made by many Europeans to the ancient sites of Italy and Greece.

Landscape views and architectural studies on display show the inspiration tourists took from classical ruins.

Featured artists include portrait specialist Joshua Reynolds who drew inspiration from two years spent studying in Italy.

Coinciding with Black History Month and the Act of Abolition's bicentenary, the exhibition examines the idea of contradiction between civilisation and slavery.

Many of the items on display in the exhibition were part of the original donation to the University by Richard, 7th Viscount Fitzwilliam in 1816 and led to the foundation of the Fitzwilliam Museum.

The exhibition runs until 27 January in the Mellon Gallery.

‘Private Pleasures: Illuminated Manuscripts from Persia to Paris' offers a rare glimpse of the treasures in a personal collection.

The free exhibition shows 25 pieces of the collection of Denys Spittle (1920-2003) who was born in Cambridge and studied Architecture at Pembroke College. Spittle subsequently became a life member of the Friends of the Fitzwilliam Museum.

Spittle's collection celebrates the beauty of illuminated manuscripts across geographic and cultural boundaries. The exhibits represent literary and artistic traditions that flourished from the tenth to the twentieth century. Pieces featured in the diverse collection include a Venetian copy of Cicero, an Ottoman Qu'ran and the popular English Brut Chronicle.

The exhibition runs until January 6 in the Octagon Gallery.