AUB students have collaborated with Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum to kick-start its centenary year

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AUB students have been working with the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum to celebrate the organisation’s centenary year.

The purpose-built art museum was given to Annie Russell-Cotes by her husband Sir Merton Russell-Cotes on her 61^stbirthday. Sir Russell-Cotes, who became Mayor of Bournemouth in 1894, owned the Royal Bath Hotel and moved to Bournemouth after ill health in 1876.

House of Hearts celebrates the museum’s 100^th year, looking back on the iconic villa’s role as one of Bournemouth’s most historic buildings. The event, which was organised by second year BA (Hons) Events Management students from AUB, featured live theatrical scenes recited across the property by BA (Hons) Acting students, with live music transporting visitors to a bygone Victorian era.

Marking the month of Valentine’s Day, the event chronicled romantic moments during the lives of Sir Merton and Annie, who travelled across the world to build up a unique and diverse collection of artefacts and artworks.

The Museum’s Café also hosted a range of cocktails specifically selected to complement the event theme with the Museum's gardens being lit to enhance features ordinarily not open to the public during evening hours.

A person in 19th Century costume stands in a mansion's hallway by a bannister looking up towards the ceiling.

Two people looking at a document while standing in a mansion museum space.

Actors take part in a Events Management student event at Russell-Cotes Museum

An Events Management student sets up lighting at Russell Cotes Museum

A person in period costume walks down a staircase in a mansion. There are gold-framed paintings on the walls.

A person in Victorian costume sits on a long leather seat in a gallery space with his hands outstretched.

Elissa Killey, Learning Assistant at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum said: "A wonderful evening was had by all at the House of Hearts event. It was great to work in collaboration with AUB and the creative events students."

Alicia Bermudez Garcia, speaking on behalf of Amethyst Dorset Events team, said: “As one of the last Victorian houses of the era, East Cliff Hall, as it was originally named, was purposefully built as a place to live and showcase the couple’s growing art collection and the objects Annie and Merton collected on their travels around the world.

“Built on the clifftops of Bournemouth, the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is just a five-minute walk from the pier, yet it is a secluded sanctuary, hidden enough to transport you as soon as you walk through the gardens.

“Our event provided the perfect romantic hideaway for those seeking something a bit different for Valentine’s, a moment for adults to be enveloped in the beauty of a bygone era while enjoying the stunning location in its full glory.”