Capturing the essence of Oxford from home
We may have some way to go before daily life in Oxford gets back to ‘normal’ status, so here are a few ways to capture a little of the essence of the University and the city in the meantime — wherever you are in the world.
We hope you enjoy these slices of Oxford life, all of which have benefited from generous philanthropic funding in one way or another. Do delve in, discover and enjoy all that the University has to offer online.
1. Attend an Oxford@Home virtual talk by a world-leading researcher
If you have had the opportunity to consider nature at a more leisurely pace recently, then you may be interested in hearing from someone who is expert in the everyday sights of the natural world that you’re likely to encounter in the garden or local parks.
Dr Lindsay Turnbull, Associate Professor at the Department of Plant Sciences and expert in plant ecology, recently gave a fascinating online talk about the ‘Bug Five’ — the specimens that are commonly found in gardens throughout the UK — responding to viewers’ questions and also giving an insight into how she began her own journey of discovery into the world of ecology.
You can find out more about Dr Turnbull’s research to restore the natural landscape on the National Ridgeway trail — which has been entirely supported by philanthropy — by watching our short film, or visit the Oxford@Home playlist to hear more from a wide range of Oxford’s experts.
2. Read at the Bodleian Libraries
Digital technology does not yet afford us the ability to share the musty scent of ageing vintage books in the Duke Humfrey’s Library, but the sounds of the Radcliffe Camera? No problem. Close your eyes and allow yourself to be transported to the hushed heart of Oxford’s Bodleian Libraries.
The Radcliffe Camera — arguably the most recognised symbol of the University of Oxford and prominent on the skyline of Oxford since it opened in 1737 — was funded from the legacy of Dr John Radcliffe (1650–1714) and became part of the Bodleian Library in 1860.
Fast forward to 2021 and the Bodleian is working hard to share as much as possible with the world digitally: there are thousands of resources that are available to all online, including over 56,000 articles, dissertations and papers by Oxford researchers and students as part of the Oxford University Research Archive (ORA), and images of thousands of items in Digital Bodleian.
3. Embark on a botanical treasure hunt
The Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum (OBGA) are beloved by visitors from all over the world, not only because of their beauty and their history — the garden in Oxford has existed for 400 years — but also the amazing resources in their care, which are of enormous value to researchers.
If you are unable to visit in person, OBGA has partnered with Google Arts and Culture so that you can explore the garden and arboretum from the comfort of your own home. There are online guides to both the garden and the arboretum on the OBGA website and the garden and arboretum also feature in the Oxford@Home series.
At the Department of Plant Sciences, thousands of rare and scientifically valuable plant specimens are also being digitised thanks to philanthropic support. Accredited with museum status, the Oxford University Herbaria unites more than a million pressed, dried plant specimens from every corner of the globe. Find out more about why it’s such a vital resource in our medium article.
4. Take in an exhibition at the Ashmolean
The Ashmolean Museum is dedicated to sharing its treasures far beyond the walls of its very elegant building through the digitisation of the collections housed there. One of the museum’s latest physical exhibitions, Young Rembrandt, which was made possible thanks to a number of philanthropic donors who are listed on the Ashmolean website, is still available to view online.
Watch An Introduction to Young Rembrandt at the Ashmolean and delight in the vast knowledge of curator An Van Camp as she takes you on a tour of some of the highlights. You can also catch An Van Camp in an episode of Oxford @ Home. The Ashmolean Museum is looking forward to welcoming visitors once again when it is able to re-open.
5. Spend time among the bluebells at Wytham Woods
Wytham Woods — widely referred to as Oxford’s laboratory with leaves — was bequeathed to the University of Oxford in 1942/3 by Colonel Raymond ffennell and his wife Hope. Now known as the world’s most researched woodlands, the Wytham Woods team uses philanthropic funding to ensure that the woods are not only open to researchers but also for activities involving local schools, community groups and those keen to participate in citizen science.
Revisit the wonderful Wytham Woods film celebrating its recent 75th anniversary or simply take a tour through the beautiful bluebells, learning some impressive bluebell facts along the way.
6. Wrestle with Big Questions from Oxplore
Visits to Oxford’s digital learning resource, Oxplore, have increased significantly during the lockdown. So, how does it work?
Referred to as the ‘Home of Big Questions’, Oxplore is an online portal which exists thanks to generous donor support. Through the portal, users learn about and debate some of the trickiest issues of our time, including ‘Could we end disease?’ and ‘Is sleeping more important than studying?’
Guided by Oxford academics, students are encouraged to consider fresh perspectives and explore subjects further. Visit the Oxplore website for more — you can even submit a big question of your own.
7. See student life from the inside
Graduate scholarships continue to be a key priority for the University and an area of philanthropic activity that is close to our hearts at Oxford Giving. Take a whistle-stop tour that showcases what some of our graduate students get up to in a film that was shot before March 2020. Explore the Graduate Study at Oxford youtube channel for more, including guided tours of some of Oxford’s colleges with graduate students.
Editor’s note: This article was first published in July 2020 and updated in February 2021 to reflect the greater breadth of digital content now offered by the resources, website and channels highlighted.
