Impact |The wainscotting at Museum Janning

In the coming weeks the nominees for the Ben Feringa Impact Award 2026 will introduce themselves and their impactful research or project. The winners will be announced on 9 June. This week: Sofie, Feyona, Caroline and Klarissa and their research of the wainscotting at Museum Janning.

Who are you?

We are Sofie, Feyona, Caroline and Klarissa, four recent graduates of the Bachelor’s programme in Art History at the University of Groningen’s Faculty of Arts, where we first met.

Can you explain what your research was about?

For the Practice Lab course, we were introduced to Museum Janning. Our assignment was to describe a boiserie in the museum’s collection. While the museum was curious about its provenance, they did not expect us to uncover it, as they themselves had been unable to do so. Nevertheless, through archival research and our knowledge of art history, we managed to trace the provenance and possible maker of the piece, as well as provide explanations for its striking visual features.

What made the research impactful?

While the research into the boiserie may not have had a broad societal impact, it certainly made a difference for the people at Museum Janning and potentially the community of Nieuw-Schoonebeek. Impact is not solely measured by the number of people it affects. With this research, we helped the museum staff solve a long-standing question. By applying our knowledge of art history to the information and sources provided by the museum, we uncovered more than they ever expected.

This project also highlights the value of culture in our society. We hope to shine a light on the beautiful stories and mysteries often hidden within small, local cultural institutions. It is rewarding to use our expertise to support people who are passionate about the works in their museum and their provenance. Additionally, we were told that we provided assistance the museum would not normally have access to, as they lack the funding for such research. Supporting the cultural sector in places where resources are limited is meaningful work, and the appreciation we received made this project even more special.

What was your personal motivation to conduct this research?

After being introduced to Museum Janning and the initial assignment, we found ourselves intrigued by the provenance of the boiserie, even though it was not officially part of the project. During our first visit to Nieuw-Schoonebeek and the museum, we received a warm welcome. Seeing the piece in person for the first time left us even more impressed than we had anticipated. We immediately felt motivated to explore its provenance alongside the official assignment. Our knowledge of art history was instantly engaged, and without hesitation, we dove into the research. In a short time, it taught us a great deal: a perfect introduction to applying the knowledge we had acquired during our years at the university.