The Bodleian Libraries have unveiled Catalysts, a photography campaign in collaboration with the British Journal of Photography. The initiative seeks to diversify and modernise Oxford’s portraiture by celebrating some of its leading researchers whose work is reshaping health, society, and the environment worldwide.
This project, which adds 19 portraits to the library’s permanent collection, brings together acclaimed photographers Leia Morrison, Francis Augusto, and Alys Tomlinson, each contributing striking portraits and essays that capture the essence of Oxford’s leading innovators. Their work reimagines the Bodleian’s historic visual archive for the 21st century, ensuring that the faces representing Oxford’s research reflect the diversity of today.
Among those featured is University of Oxford’s Professor Rachel Upthegrove MBE, Director of the NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) whose work focuses on improving outcomes in severe mental illness, particularly psychosis and mood disorders. Her research combines clinical trials and translational approaches to develop personalised treatments, advance early intervention strategies, and enhance understanding of biological and psychological mechanisms to transform mental health care and patient wellbeing.
She told us: “It’s an honour to be part of a project that celebrates the diversity and impact of research at Oxford. Mental health research is about improving lives, and I’m proud to see this work represented alongside esteemed colleagues who are driving innovation across health, society, and the environment in Oxford.”
The campaign has already attracted national attention, with BBC News covering the story: “Historic library unveils portraits of researchers.” Further coverage will follow, including a feature in the University’s alumni magazine, Quad.
The portraits will be displayed in the Bodleian next year, and a launch event is scheduled for Monday 11 May, offering an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable individuals behind Oxford’s most impactful research.
Explore the full campaign and find Professor Upthegrove’ s portrait (taken in the grounds of Wolfson College) on the British Journal of Photography website (Alys Tomlinson): Bodleian Catalysts Commission: Alys Tomlinson – 1854 Photography
