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The Burrell Collection (Glasgow)
| 2007-12-14 Donna Dailey Glasgow's treasure-packed Burrell Collection is small but perfectly formed. Wealthy shipping agent Sir William Burrell may not have been able to match the resources of millionaire collectors such as Hearst or Getty, but he used his good taste and collecting acumen to amass one of the finest art collections in Europe. Burrell went to work in the family firm at the age of 14. Ten years later, in 1885, his father died and he took over the firm’s management with his brother George. The business prospered and in 1918 they sold off most of the Burrell shipping fleet. William invested his profits shrewdly and turned his attention to his life-long passion – art. By then he was already an important and respected collector. He began by buying pieces for his personal pleasure, and the bulk of the collection reflects his interest in Medieval European art, Oriental ceramics and bronzes and European paintings. Much later, he added works from the ancient civilisations of the world. In 1944, Burrell gave his collection to the City of Glasgow, though he continued adding to it until his death in 1958, at the age of 97. However, it was many more years before Glaswegians could enjoy his generosity. Mindful of the harmful effects of air pollution on ancient art, Burrell stipulated that the collection must be housed outside the city centre. It took a long while for the perfect site to become available, but the wait was worthwhile: the Burrell Collection is now housed in leafy surroundings 5 kilometres southwest of central Glasgow in Pollok Country Park. As you approach along a woodland path, the simple building of wood and sandstone, which opened in 1983, seems unimposing at first glance. But once you are inside, Burrell’s foresight in demanding a rural location becomes instantly apparent. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the artworks in natural light, while the backdrop of trees and greenery beyond make an attractive change from the white walls of most museums. The stained glass collection is stunningly backlit along one corridor. Medieval stone doorways and arcades from the collection are also integrated into the modern design in a way that is surprisingly harmonious and effective. Surrounding the courtyard are three rooms reconstructed from Burrell’s last home, Hutton Castle, complete with gothic furniture and enormous fireplaces. Two rooms dedicated to Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome are the first indication that ‘small is beautiful’. A choice selection of vases, burial figures, sculptures and artefacts are contained in a handful of cases. Every one is worth lingering over, but the Head of Zeus (or Poseidon) is definitely the highlight here. Practical InformationThe Burrell Collection 2060 Pollokshaws Road Tel. 0141 287 2550 The Burrell Collection is open Monday-Thursday and Saturday 10am-5pm, Friday and Sunday 11am-5pm (closed 25 and 26 December and 1 and 2 January). Admission is free. Buses 45, 47, 48 and 57 run from Union Street in the city centre to the park entrance on Pollokshaws Road. There are regular trains from Glasgow Central to Pollokshaws West station (on the East Kilbride line) – the museum is well-signposted and is 10-15 minute walk from the station. |
