In Oxford we have a wonderful museum called the Ashmolean which has a very fine Japanese collection. I was greatly privileged to attend a private viewing of this with numerous Japanese friends (mostly from *** University) around 12 years ago.
I would love to help stimulate cooperation between the Y*** M*** of Art and the Ashmolean and wanted to see if this is potentially of interest for you.
I will be meeting the head of the Japan collection in the coming few weeks and will have a clearer idea of their interest at that stage, however I understand among other things they are arranging a special Japan exhibition here to coincide with the Tokyo Olympics.
That may provide an opportunity to work together. I believe also they are considering putting that exhibition on tour and again there may be something of mutual interest in jointly arranging such touring exhibitions.
I am also aware that the Ashmolean had limited display space at the museum here (paradoxically it was reduced following a major expansion and refurbishment of the museum). I am not sure whether that is a solvable matter or not but I will learn more when I meet the museum soon.
It would be for me a matter of great pride if I can help to facilitate a relationship between you and the Ashmolean and if it is of interest to you I really hope to work with you on this.
