Mrs Seoyoung Kim

Research project: Eadweard Muybridge: A study of his work and legacy through an inter-institutional evaluation of the Kingston Museum bequest and other collections

Abstract

A Kingston-born photographer Eadweard Muybridge (1830-1904) depicted the 19th-century American West and pioneered motion studies and moving image projection. Reflecting his immense influence on a wide range of modern cultures, Muybridge's work has been collected by different institutions. However, many custodian institutions do not usually present the entirety of Muybridge's diverse work but address only the limited aspects of his achievement and legacy that are related to their collections. Bequeathed by Muybridge, Kingston Museum's collection is significant since it comprises examples of all stages of Muybridge's photographic career. Specifically, the collection embodies Muybridge's successful later career as a lantern lecturer, which has often been overlooked by others in that isolated presentation.

This research aims to examine the implications of Kingston Museum's Muybridge Collection for a better-integrated understanding of Muybridge's life, work and legacy. Concentrating on the thorough investigation of the Kingston Museum Bequest, I present new findings about Muybridge's work obtained from the research visits to over 20 institutions in the US, UK and France and the in-depth study of their Muybridge and related collections. I hope that this extensive mapping of different Muybridge collections will manifest the interconnection among the collections and a need for a holistic approach to advance the current image-centred Muybridge studies. I emphasise the important role that the Kingston Collection plays in this new, collection-focused research through its distinctive link with Muybridge, as well as its unique and significant items that are connected to other collections.

The study also investigates how Kingston Museum can develop the effective interpretation and presentation of its collection to extend Muybridge's legacy and better engage with its audience. I address the relevance that Muybridge's work still holds in the current digital culture. Various case studies, including both Muybridge and other historical collections, are also referenced in making practical recommendations.

  • Research degree: PhD
  • Title of project: Eadweard Muybridge: A study of his work and legacy through an inter-institutional evaluation of the Kingston Museum bequest and other collections
  • Research supervisor: Professor Stephen Barber
  • Other research supervisor: Professor Fran Lloyd

Biography

As well as undertaking my part-time PhD, I work as curator at Kingston Museum where I oversee many aspects of museum activities and collections management, including the museum's internationally significant Muybridge collection. I am also a freelance curator and have curated various contemporary art exhibitions. Previously, I worked as a conservator for various museums, such as the Wallace Collection, Glasgow Museums and St. Louis Art Museum (USA) and gained expertise in conservation, collections care and material analysis.

I have published and presented many articles and papers on various subjects on heritage and historic collections, including collections care and management, scientific analysis, conservation issues, outreach and access.

My main research interests are the life, work and legacy of Eadweard Muybridge, in particular, within the context of institutional collections. I am also interested in the interdisciplinary presentation of historic collections and audience engagement.

Areas of research interest

  • Eadweard Muybridge
  • Museum Studies
  • Curation
  • Audience Engagement
  • Collections Care
  • Historic Collections
  • Photography
  • Moving Image
  • Chronophotography
  • Contemporary Art

Qualifications

  • MA in Conservation of Historic Objects, De Montfort University
  • BA in Art Studies, Hong-Ik University, South Korea

Funding or awards received

  • AHRC (TECHNE) Funding
  • Paul Mellon Research Support Grant
  • Huntington Library Short-Term Fellowship