The Hunterian at the University of Glasgow has launched a new ‘Friends’ scheme and broadcaster and journalist Kirsty Wark has become its very first member.

As a supporter of the scheme, Kirsty will also host a special taster evening in the Hunterian Art Gallery to encourage more people to sign up and become Hunterian Friends.

The Hunterian is Scotland’s oldest public museum and was built on the founding bequest of pioneering anatomist and obstetrician William Hunter. The collections today encompass over one million objects and feature the world’s largest permanent display of the work of James McNeill Whistler, the largest single holding of the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and The Mackintosh House, the reassembled interiors from his Glasgow home.

The Hunterian is keen to attract as many new Friends as possible and members will receive a range of exclusive benefits including free admission to special exhibitions, free admission to The Mackintosh House and a programme of special member events.

The Friends taster evening takes place in the Hunterian Art Gallery on 9 November and the fully-booked event offers the chance to discover what membership involves. Participants will be welcomed by Kirsty Wark then will have the opportunity to meet some of The Hunterian’s expert curatorial staff and enjoy various taster sessions which give privileged access to items from the rich and diverse collections.

The curator-led taster sessions include private views of the critically acclaimed ‘Colour, Rhythm and Form: J. D. Fergusson and France’ exhibition and of new acquisitions including a rare copper and enamel candlestick by Margaret and Frances Macdonald and the portrait ‘Fraülein Engelhardt’ by the Austrian Expressionist artist, Marie-Louise von Motesiczky.

Kirsty Wark said:

“Becoming a Friend of The Hunterian is a wonderful way to support the University, the city and Scotland. There are more than a million treasures at The Hunterian. We want all of them to see the light of day and the Friends programme will contribute greatly towards that. Please be my Hunterian Friend.”

Professor David Gaimster, Director of The Hunterian said:

“We are delighted that Kirsty has become the first member of The Hunterian Friends and are extremely grateful for her support. I hope that her endorsement of the scheme will encourage more people to become Friends and get involved with our world class collections.”

First published: 1 November 2011

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