AAD Staff Hour

From the world-renowed Ashmolean and Pitt Rivers collections, dinosaurs and the dodo at the Museum of Natural History, to the Botanic Gardens, historic Sheldonian, and ancient and modern colleges, Oxford is a stunning city with plenty of architecture, history and culture to discover. What better way to explore these fascinating venues and meet colleagues from across the Academic Administration Division than on one of the AAD private Staff Hour tours.


Engraved Gems Exhibition, Christ Church Library – Tuesday 5 March, 12:00 and 12:30

Christ Church Engraved Gems In collaboration with the Oxford University Classical Art Research Centre (CARC), the Engraved Gems exhibition at Christ Church Library includes gems and replicas from Oxford’s Beazley Archive, as well as beautiful intaglios and cameos from private collections, alongside some of the treasures of the book-collection of Christ Church Library. A highlight in the exhibition is a sardonyx from the collection of the Earl of Carlisle. The cameo was engraved by Alexander Cesati (1510-64), and shows Cupid taming a lion in the presence of two nymphs. Join us for a tour with the exhibition curator. Tour duration: 30 minutes

Due to the size of the venue we are running two small 30 minute tours at 12:00 and 12:30 – please state which time you would like to attend when booking.

Places: 20 (2 x groups of 10)

The Oxford Union - Thursday 11 April, 13:00

Oxford Union The Oxford Union was founded in 1823 to provide undergraduates with the opportunity to read and debate more widely than was otherwise possible at that time. The original Debating Chamber (now the Old Library), built in 1857, is famous for its murals by Pre-Raphaelite artists including Rossetti, Morris and Burne-Jones. A newer, larger Debating Chamber succeeded it in 1878. This is now the setting for the Union's weekly debates, speaker meetings and many social events. On this tour we shall visit both the Old Library and the Debating Chamber. Tour duration: 40 minutes.

Places: 20

How to book a place

To book a place or suggest somewhere you would like to visit please email the Communications team. Events are for AAD staff only and places will be limited so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment. Allocation will be on a first come, first served, basis. We endeavour to ensure Staff Hours are held at venues that are accessible for all staff, however due to the nature of some venues accessibility may be restricted. We would appreciate being made aware of any accessibility requirements at the time of booking in order for these to be taken into consideration at the Staff Hour venue.