This research strand focuses on how art objects have been collected, viewed and discussed in the past and in the present. While much attention inevitably falls on the history and development of museums and public and private collecting, an equally important aspect of this research group is on the display of art objects and how the vagaries of time control their relevance to the present moment. The role of revival is thus an important part of assessing how art objects move in and out of fashion and academic interest. While much of the academic energy of the group is on European and North American cultures, the role of imperialism and intercultural exchange is an important feature of the strand. This includes East-West dialogues as well as public and private attitudes to the other.