Alexandra Stara is Reader in the History and Theory of Architecture at Kingston University, London, UK.
'... this is a splendid work: not merely a thorough case study of a pioneering institution, but a valuable contribution to a wider debate - which continues to the present day - about the collection and display of art, and how we understand the past through its material remains.' Church Monuments '[Stara's] articulate and thoughtful book provides a welcome contribution to the study of a remarkably rich subject and makes available a detailed review of sources, images and ideas.' French History