If you haven’t visited the critically acclaimed ‘Colour, Rhythm and Form: JD Fergusson and France’ exhibition at the University of Glasgow’s Hunterian Art Gallery, then perhaps a series of special related events taking place this November will tempt you?

‘Colour, Rhythm and Form: JD Fergusson and France’ marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Scottish artist JD Fergusson, a key member of the internationally renowned Scottish Colourists. Focusing on The Hunterian's important holding of works by Fergusson, and complemented by a number of key loans, the exhibition highlights his lifelong interest in France, which inspired him to produce some of his most substantial work.

The Hunterian has worked with other University departments and external partners to put together a series of events which accompany the stunning exhibition. Ranging from children’s art classes to talks and concerts, the programme has something for everyone.

Starting on 5 November, The Hunterian will run a six-week course of creative art activities for children inspired by the ‘Colour, Rhythm and Form’ exhibition. Classes run every Saturday until 10 December and budding Scottish Colourists can enjoy activities like sketching and printmaking, exploring still life, clay sculpture and pastel drawing. Classes cost £48.00 for the course and run from 10.00am - 12.00pm for ages 5 - 7 years and 1.00pm - 3.00pm for ages 8 - 12 years (call 0141 330 2375 to book).

Emphasising the importance of France to Fergusson, Hunterian Curator Anne Dulau Beveridge will give a special French language tour of the exhibition on 8 November. The tour begins at 1.00pm and has been organised conjunction with Alliance Francaise de Glasgow. Tickets can be purchased in advance from the Alliance Francaise Language Office (0141 331 4080).

To highlight Fergusson’s links with music, pianist Murray McLachlan will give a lunchtime concert in the University’s Memorial Chapel. The free concert takes place on 24 November at 1.10pm and is part of the popular ‘Music in the University’ series. Murray will play piano music from Scotland including Ronald Center’s ‘Piano Sonata’, Erik Chisholm’s ‘Night Song of the Bards’ and Francis George Scott’s ‘Eight Songs’.

Also on a musical theme, Professor Bill Sweeney from the University’s School of Culture and Creative Arts will give a 10 minute lunchtime talk titled ‘A Composer’s Response to Colour, Rhythm and Form: JD Fergusson and France’. The talk will take place in the exhibition itself at 1.00pm on 22 November and is included in the exhibition admission price (£5, £3 concession). 

The final event in the series is a one day Symposium organised by the University’s Department for Adult and Continuing Education (DACE). The Symposium takes place in the Hunterian Art Gallery on 26 November and examines Fergusson's contribution to art in Britain and France, his artistic legacy and his wide-ranging cultural links with contemporary literature, music and dance. Professor Alan Riach, Alexander Moffat and Dr Laurence Grove from the University of Glasgow and Jennifer Kinnear from the Fergusson Gallery in Perth will be among the speakers at this special event. Some places are still available (0141 330 1835).

‘Colour, Rhythm and Form: JD Fergusson and France’ is at the Hunterian Art Gallery until 8 January 2012 (closed from 25 December - 3 January inclusive for the Christmas and New Year holiday). The exhibition is open from 10.00am until 5.00pm Tuesday to Saturday and 11.00am until 4.00pm on Sunday. Admission is £5.00 (£3.00 concession). A Joint Ticket, which includes admission to The Mackintosh House, is available for £8.00 (£5.00 concession).

The Hunterian (Art Gallery)
University of Glasgow
82 Hillhead Street
Glasgow G12 8QQ

First published: 1 November 2011

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