The Week’s Muse: 9 August

A round-up of recent news and comment from the Muse Room

UK marks the First World War centenary

On Monday the UK marked 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War with a series of new art commissions. People across the country turned off their lights for an hour of reflection.

The dangers of deaccessioning

Northampton Borough Council’s lucrative but controversial sale of a rare Egyptian statue to raise money for a museum extension backfired recently: the Arts Council has revoked its accreditation making it ineligible for future grants.

Trouble at the Tate: a look back at the Tate Affair

Tate Britain, and particularly Penelope Curtis, have been in the firing line this year. But the current director’s woes seem trivial compared to those of her predecessor John Rothenstein. Rosalind McKever looks back at the infamous ‘Tate Affair’ of 1952–4.

Unabashed opulence: the Fitzwilliam Museum’s new portico

The Fitzwilliam Museum is undergoing a thorough revamp, but surely the highlight of its restoration programme was the unveiling of its restored portico. Julien Domercq writes in praise of the project.

Who means business in the art world?

Thomas Marks discusses The Business section of the inaugural Apollo 40 Under 40, which will feature 10 pioneering young people who are transforming the European market. 40 Under 40 launches in September.

Cardboard cathedrals and curtain walls: Shigeru Ban

The Aspen Art Museum opens its new building today, designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban. We look back over some of the Japanese architect’s most astonishing past projects.