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Friday 7 June 2013 Volume 64
Issue
Raising of the Rainbow Flag What’s
Inside?
Emily King
Friday 17th May is the International Day against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia and this year the University of Reading honoured this day by raising the Rainbow Flag in the heart of campus to show support. The raising of the Rainbow Flag and the support shown by the University of Reading comes at a time when homophobic hate crimes have once again risen in number. Over the last few years the number of hate crimes directed towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people has been rising, slowly but continuously. In 2010, reported homophobic crimes rose from an average of 4,805 offenses at the start of the year to an average of 4,885 offenses by the end of the year. In 2011 it was reported that crimes against transgender people was up by as much as 170 percent, and as many as 17 percent of gay students have received death threats because of their sexuality. On the day that flag was raised two speeches were given from the Vice Chancellor Sir David Bell and from Reading’s LGBT, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender, representative Ben Rider. Both speeches praised the university for the support shown on this globally important day and emphasised the importance of equality in communities such as a university. The Vice Chancellor stated that: “The Rainbow Flag is a hugely important symbol. Having it up in the heart of the campus creates a very positive message and shows that the University of Reading is intolerant of homophobia.” In his speech Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell also mentioned the ar-
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ticle he wrote for ‘Pink News’ in honour of IDAHO. In his article and speech he talks about the huge influence one of Reading’s previous Vice-Chancellor’s, Lord Wolfenden, had on gay rights and British laws concerning gays and lesbians. Sir David Bell discusses in his article that Lord Wolfenden was asked to lead the Home Office on the issues of homosexuality and prostitution. He also put forward a report reviewing Britain’s laws on homosexuality which stated that what consenting homosexual adults do
in private is their business and should not be considered illegal. It would seem that the University has always been intolerant of homophobia. Raising the Rainbow Flag on campus was of great importance to the members of LGBT as the government are now reviewing British laws on civil partnerships. After the flag was raised, Ben Rider stated that: “This is a very proud moment for LGBT and the University. We are honoured to have the Vice-
Chancellor here to show his support on IDAHO.” More than 53,000 civil partnerships have been carried out since they became legal in December 2005. The government have said that if the law regarding civil partnerships is abolished those who have already entered into a civil partnership do not need to worry about their partnership being annulled, the new law would just prevent more gay couples from forming them.
Sketch worth £75,000 found in cupboard Zoe Crook
The University of Reading’s art department have discovered an original Ruben sketch worth £75,000 hidden away in a cupboard. The drawing, purchased for a mere £50 in the 1950s for teaching purposes was brought from Henry Wellesly, the illegitimate son of the Duke of Wellington. Although it was assumed to be a replica at the time of purchasing due to its low price, a collector’s stamp has verified its authenticity.
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This proved that the drawing was once owned by Jonathan Richardson, a renowned art collector who had a keen interest in Ruben. It was then purchased by Henry Wellesly, an Oxford based collector, before being sold on the the university. The modest 10.8cm x 8.9cm piece is a portrait of Marie de Médicis, the second wife of King Henry IV of France, and is thought to have been drawn in anticipation of one of his 21 life-size studies of her. These portraits follow her life, documenting her from a child until elderly.
Four of these are currently held in the Louvre, where this sketch will join them. Other portraits from the collection of the former Queen of France are currently held in the British Museum and the V&A. Professor Anna Gruetzner Robins, from the university’s Department of Art, stated: “This is an extremely exciting discovery. Sir Peter Paul Rubens was a major seventeenth century artist whose has a special significance for Britain because he undertook several commissions in Britain including a
decorative ceiling for the Banqueting House at Whitehall.” Professor Robins added: “The University of Reading has a rich cultural heritage, from fine art to film and music to museums. “ With the University of Reading’s Department of Art ranking 7th in the Guardian’s University Guide 2013, this will no doubt boost their reputation. The discovery of such a fine and rare piece of art showcases the high caliber of teaching within the subject.
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