Chicago City Wire

Dr. Christopher (Kit) Maxwell has been appointed as the Chair and Eloise W. Martin Curator of Applied Arts of Europe at the Art Institute of Chicago. Maxwell steps into this role following the retirement of Ellenor Alcorn.

Maxwell joined the Art Institute in 2022 as the Samuel and M. Patricia Grober Curator for the department, bringing with him a background in European ceramics and glass, particularly focusing on how global trade and colonial expansion influenced European design. During his tenure, he has contributed to acquisitions and collection research, helping expand the narratives within the Applied Arts of Europe department.

James Rondeau, President and Eloise W. Martin Director at the Art Institute of Chicago, said, “In just a few years, Kit has had a significant impact on the museum and the department. His work and collaboration played an essential role in the spectacular redesign of the recently opened Eloise W. Martin Galleries. We look forward to how his vision, expertise, and dedication will continue to build on the momentum of the department.”

The new Applied Arts of Europe galleries opened in July after several years of redesign. The updated space features more than 300 objects from between 1600 and 1900—including furniture, silver, ceramics, and glass—using modern casework and lighting techniques. Maxwell co-curated this installation alongside Ellenor Alcorn and Barcelona-based architectural firm Barozzi Veiga.

Reflecting on his appointment, Maxwell stated: “I feel honored to have had the opportunity to work with Ellenor during her time at the museum and benefitted enormously from her incredible experience and generous collegiality. This department has so much to offer visitors—from the Thorne Miniature Rooms to the newly designed ceramics gallery—and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to engage with our audiences in new and exciting ways.”

Before joining the Art Institute of Chicago, Maxwell was curator of early modern glass at Corning Museum of Glass where he managed collections dating from 1250 to 1820. He curated exhibitions such as "In Sparkling Company: Glass and the Costs of Social Life in Britain During the 1700s," which examined glass’s significance across various aspects of British life during that era.

Maxwell also held roles at Royal Collection Trust and Victoria and Albert Museum’s Ceramics and Glass Section between 2005–2010. He holds degrees from University of Cambridge (BA), University of London (MA), University of Glasgow (PhD), along with post-doctoral research focused on Nazi-era Provenance at Glasgow and Caribbean Studies at University of Warwick.