New Exhibit Explores Life of Bertrand Russell
May 7, 2018
Undying Hope for this Dangerous World
Bertrand Russell in perspective
Curated by the William Ready Division of Archives and Research Collections, McMaster University Library
McMaster Museum of Art | Levy Gallery
May 26 – December 21, 2018
Bertrand Russell, one of the foremost public intellectuals of the 20th century, lived a life that defied easy categorization. At various times an aristocrat, philosopher, mathematician, criminal, prisoner, activist, author, and Nobel laureate, he possessed a remarkably active mind and a vivid inner life that informed a public presence spanning seven decades. Perhaps best remembered for his unwavering commitment to world peace, he was a prolific writer and corresponded with an astonishingly wide range of politicians and celebrities—Nikita Khrushchev, P.G. Wodehouse, John Foster Dulles, Muhammad Ali, John Lennon, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Zhou Enlai were among them.
This exhibit will explore Russell’s life through artwork, artefacts, photographs, and his own personal papers—the first of which came to McMaster University exactly 50 years ago—with a particular focus on his political activism and personal relationships.
Related news on Bertrand Russell and McMaster University:
- This spring, the McMaster Library celebrates the opening of the new home of the Bertrand Russell Archives and Research Centre. The newly renovated space is located on the east edge of campus at 88 Forsythe Avenue North, Hamilton.
- The McMaster Library will also mark the 50th anniversary of the acquisition of the archives through a special edition of the Hamilton Arts and Letters Magazine, edited by McMaster librarian Rick Stapleton.
- In 1918, Bertrand Russell was imprisoned for opposing World War I. To mark this centenary, The Bertrand Russell Research Centre is publishing a new edition of all 104 letters he wrote from prison; each will go live on its 100th anniversary: http://russell-letters.mcmaster.ca/
- 45th Annual Meeting of The Bertrand Russell Society will be held at Master University, June 22–24, 2018.
Recognizing Emerging Voices: 2026 Integrated Arts (iArts) Awards at the McMaster Museum of Art
May 7, 2026
The McMaster Museum of Art is proud to present and celebrate this year’s graduating Integrated Arts students through a series of awards, recognizing artistic excellence, collaboration, and innovation. From work that reflects the core values of the School of the Arts to projects that push creative boundaries and foster community — the SOTA Mission Award, Leadership & Community […]
Christina Leslie Announcement on TFVA Award and Acquisition of Pinhole Remix (2020) for M(M)A Collection.
April 28, 2026
Beyond February: Collecting Care and Reimagining Black Histories
March 3, 2026
The Black Madonnas of Perpetual Murmurs 19, 2023 collage, composition gold leaf, cutout on paper Museum of Art Collection Trust, 2024 As this year’s Black History Month come to a close, the McMaster Museum of Art wishes to extend its sincere appreciation to the Equity and Inclusion Office for their leadership and dedication in creating […]
