In preparation for its bicentenary in 2007, the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery is delighted to be working in partnership with the National Galleries of Scotland.

During 2005 and 2006, most of William Hunter's pictures, which make up the Gallery's founding collection, will undergo conservation either here in Glasgow, or in the conservation studios of the National Galleries in Edinburgh. The work will include conservation of the frames, many of which are contemporary with Hunter himself.

An exhibition focussing on Hunter's picture collection, which includes works by Chardin, Reynolds and Stubbs, will feature as a major event of our bicentenary celebrations in 2007.

Conservation staff from the National Galleries of Scotland will be working in the Hunterian Art Gallery for all of next week and will be answering any questions from the public about the work between 12 noon and 12.30 pm each day.

The conservation work will take place in the Gallery 1 of the Hunterian Art Gallery between Monday 25 and Friday 29 April 2005.

Background information

The University of Glasgow's Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery is home to one of the top five collections in Scotland, with over a million items ranging from meteorites to mummies.

The Hunterian is the legacy of Dr William Hunter, a pioneering obstetrician and teacher. His passion for collecting was legendary. Hunter was born and raised locally and was a student at the University of Glasgow. He moved to London in 1741, where he found fame and fortune as physician to the Royal family and teacher of anatomy and surgery. Hunter lavished his wealth on building up his vast and varied private collection.

When he died in 1783 he left his entire collection to the University of Glasgow, along with the money to create a suitable museum. The Hunterian opened its doors in 1807, making it Scotland's oldest public museum.

The present day Hunterian is spread across four sites on the University campus. The purpose built Hunterian Art Gallery and Mackintosh House are on Hillhead Street. The Hunterian Museum is in the Main University building on University Avenue. The Zoology Museum is in the Graham Kerr building and the Anatomy Museum is in the Thomson building.

The Hunterian celebrates its bicentenary in 2007. Not only will this be cause for celebration, it will also allow the Museum to undergo a complete makeover, re-presenting the collections in an informative but fun way.

Already plans are underway for new displays for the Museum Main Hall, better orientation for visitors, and enhanced front of house services. Further to this an exciting exhibition and events programme will run with new temporary exhibitions in the Kelvin Gallery and Hunterian Art Gallery, and events such as family fun days, music recitals and much more.

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

For more details contact Harriet Gaston on 0141 330-3310.

First published: 22 April 2005