Every picture tells a story, the saying goes.
Even more so, when pictures, paintings, images, and objects are presented so as to be seen together or in sequence to tell those stories, and to inspire you to reflect on or create your own.
The people at The Hunterian Art Gallery in Glasgow offer creative ways to experience this. I always plan to visit the art gallery, which is part of the campus of the University of Glasgow, several times a year, to see what’s on offer.
The staff have a good bit to work with: there are about 900 paintings in the gallery’s collections, not to mention their extensive collection of prints and drawings, the largest in Scotland with more than 40,000 holdings.
In addition, the gallery has an extensive collection of drawings from Iconic Scottish artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh, as well as an area that is a reconstruction of some of the rooms Mackintosh and wife Margaret Macdonald, who was also an artist, designed and lived in, in a neighborhood not far form where the museum now stands.
The gallery also always has displays which invite visitors to think about the creative process involved in making the works.
You might, for instance, see an exhibit which details conservation work.
When I was at the gallery recently, there was in one area d display of the work involved in conservation and restoration of a centuries old painting, and nearby, a look in the different but related work needed to restore and conserve a piece from the the 1960s.
You might also see artist tools on display, alongside what has been created with them.
The gallery collects art across the centuries, classic to contemporary.
As you might expect, you are likely to see an emphasis on artists from Scotland and with connections to Scotland when you visit.
One of those artists is James McNeil Whistler.
The gallery holds many of the artist’s paintings of nocturnes, seascapes, landscapes, and portraits. Though he was born in the United States and lived in London and Paris, Whistler kept a strong connection to Scotland from is mother’s McNeill ancestors.
In recognition of that, and of the connections and influence Whistler’s work had on the group of painters known as the Glasgow Boys, his heirs gave his estate of paintings and memorabilia to the university.
When you visit the Hunterian Art Gallery, you will always find various items from Whistler’s work in display, and if you wish to research the work of this painter. the Hunterian Art Gallery is the place to come.
The collections at the Hunterian Art Gallery, and at the Hunterian Museum a short distance away on the university campus, began in the wide ranging interests of eighteenth century physician William Hunter.
He had studied at the University of Glasgow,. and when he died bequeathed his extensive collections of archaeology, science and medical material, and artworks, to the university with the provision that they be made available to the public for study and enjoyment.
By 1807, the gallery and the museum were founded, making them together the oldest public museum in Scotland. The art gallery collections have moved several times, as curators of collection continue to build its holdings of art across centuries and sty;es.
Now, The Hunterian Art Gallery is a purpose designed building at the heart of the University of Glasgow campus.
“Today The Hunterian is a space for questioning and experimentation, for enjoyment and enrichment, for connection and collaboration? and? for? reflecting on the role museums and individuals can play in furthering equity, justice and diversity in our society.
“We actively work to make The Hunterian a more relevant and meaningful place – for University students and staff, for Glaswegians, for Scots and for our global visitors,” University staff write on The Hunterian’s web site.
William Hunter began it. James McNeil Whistler, Charles Rennie Mackintosh as well as works by Chardin, de Koninck, Rembrandt, Runes, the Glasgow Boys, Scottish Colourists, and other well and lesser known artists all continue the story of creativity at The Hunterian.
The gallery (and the museum) offer strong online presence to explore as well.
The gallery also offers a robust schedule of time limited special exhibits.
One that I remember especially focused on the drawings from the notebooks of Charles Rennie Mackintosh kept on his travels in Europe early in his career. Fascinating insights into his skill and ways of thinking.
The special exhibit that drew me to The Hunterian Art Gallery on this recent visit was about Mary Queen of Scots. The Life and Afterlife of Mary Queen of Scots, it was called.
As that title suggests, it was meant to provoke thoughts about the woman, her life, and ways that story has been told.
You can also see some of the material from the exhibit and learn a bit of the st stories online in a FutureLearn course from the University of Glasgow related to The Life and Afterlife of Mary Queen of Scots.
I will have more to tell you about Mary in future stories as well.
I am sure there will be more fine special exhibits to see at The Hunterian Art Gallery, as well as much to continue to learn from the permanent collection.
Do note though that areas of the main gallery are not available as refurbishment work is ongoing until April 2023. There is plenty still to see though. Including most of the area I explored above, as well as The Mackintosh House and an exterior sculpture garden.
Though there is a small charge to visit the Mackintosh House (I have seen it, and it too is thought provoking. I didn’t call in on this visit though ) there is no cost to visit the gallery itself. There is a gift shop as well.
Photographs by Kerry Dexter
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