Today, October 14, marks 150 years since the birth of Thomas Ashby, a towering figure in the fields of archaeology, photography, and the humanities. Ashby’s contributions to these disciplines, and particularly to the British School at Rome (BSR), are profound and enduring.
A Lasting Legacy at the British School at Rome
Thomas Ashby served as the Director of the BSR for 19 years, during which time he left an indelible mark on the institution and its development. A distinguished topographer, archaeologist, art historian, bibliophile, and photographer, Ashby’s influence was instrumental in shaping the future of the BSR. He oversaw the School’s relocation from its original apartment in the Palazzo Odescalchi, located in the heart of Rome, to its current home in Valle Giulia, a move that signified a new chapter in its history.
In recent years, the BSR has been meticulously collecting and cataloguing visual and literary material related to Ashby’s remarkable career. His extensive archive, documenting his artistic and scientific contributions, can now be explored online. Discover more about his work here: Thomas Ashby Collection.
Remarkable Publications and Groundbreaking Research
Ashby’s scholarly work is vast and includes numerous influential publications. One of his most renowned works, The Roman Campagna in Classical Times (1927), represents the culmination of his lifelong research into the topography and archaeology of the Roman countryside. Other notable publications include The Aqueducts of Ancient Rome (1935), published posthumously and edited by I.A. Richmond, and The Topographical Dictionary of Rome (1929), completed in collaboration with S.B. Platner. Ashby’s love for Italian culture is further showcased in Some Italian Scenes and Festivals (1929), which reflects his deep connection to Italy’s heritage.
To further honour Ashby’s contributions, the BSR’s research collection team is currently compiling a comprehensive bibliography of his many publications.
In addition, the BSR has curated a virtual exhibition that offers insight into Ashby’s various expeditions and research endeavors around Rome. Explore the exhibit here: Expeditions from Rome
Diverse Projects Across the Roman Empire
Thomas Ashby’s intellectual curiosity and wide-ranging interests took him far beyond Rome. His many projects included excavations in Caerwent (Wales) and Malta, as well as studies on the archaeology and anthropology of Sardinia. His research extended to the Cassiano Dal Pozzo collection at Windsor, further illustrating his diverse scholarly pursuits. Since 1986, the BSR has organised many exhibitions featuring his work, comprehending photographs and other materials. The catalogues dedicated to these exhibitions are listed here: List of Catalogues.
Exploring the Piranesi Collection and Future Research
The BSR also holds Ashby’s collection of Piranesi prints, which has been the subject of study by Clare Hornsby and Caroline Barron. This research is now available through a virtual exhibition that delves into the artistic genius of Giovanni Battista Piranesi. Explore the exhibition here: Piranesi Exhibition, and view the entire collection catalogued here: Piranesi Project.
Explore “Ashby e l’Abruzzo” Exhibition in Pescara
Currently, Ashby’s captivating photographs of Abruzzo are on display at the exhibition “Ashby e l’ Abruzzo,” running until November 3 in Pescara at the Maison des Arts, Fondazione Pescarabruzzo. This exhibition provides a unique opportunity to see the Abruzzo region through Ashby’s lens. See the virtual exhibition curated by the BSR here.
