Dorian Gray's Pictures: A Creative History Workshop with Dr Keava McMillan

This workshop explores the art collection of John Gray, once considered the model for Oscar Wilde's Dorian Gray, and his long-term partner Marc-André Raffalovich. This committed couple were formerly members of Wilde's circle in London before converting to Catholicism and moving to Edinburgh where they built a church and a modern art collection together. Part of the Fear & Fascination exhibition programme.

In the workshop participants will examine the archival traces of Gray and Raffalovich's shared life through letters, collections, and books, using the art they gathered as inspiration for a series of collages imagining the queer possibilities between the lines.

Dr Keava McMillan is a cultural historian specialising in modern queer art and histories. She is a Lecturer in Gender History at the University of Glasgow and works at Lavender Menace, a queer community archive in Edinburgh. She has a PhD in Visual Culture from the University of Aberdeen and has worked in heritage interpretation and engagement with places like the V&A Dundee, Historic Environment Scotland, and Rozelle House.

• The workshop will take place in the Lower Ground Floor Seminar Room in the Sir Duncan Rice Library at the University of Aberdeen.
• Parking is available next to the Library and is free at the time of this event.
• The Library Cafe will be open at the time of this event. Participants are also welcome to bring their own refreshments.
• The Fear & Fascination Exhibition will be open on the ground floor of the Library.
• Places on the workshop are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

This event is part of a programme of events accompanying the latest exhibition from University Collections. runs until 7 December 2025.

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Host or Publisher University of Aberdeen Museums, University of Aberdeen