Scholarships & funding

Beatrix Whistler and James McNeill Whistler Scholarship

The Beatrix Whistler and James McNeill Whistler Scholarships originate with an important collection of works by Whistler gifted by Miss Rosalind Birnie Philip to the University in 1935. Since then, and thanks to further gifts and acquisitions, the Hunterian has come to hold one of the two leading collections of Whistler’s work in the world and History of Art (SCCA) has become an international centre of expertise for the study of Whistler and his 19th century world.  

At her death in 1958, Miss Birnie Philip, Whistler’s heir and executrix, bequeathed the remainder of her art collection to the University, together with part of her residual estate for the purpose of establishing a scholarship scheme for students engaged in any branch of learning within the College of Arts & Humanities. In 2019, the Whistler scholarships scheme was revised in acknowledgement of the continuing links between Miss Birnie Philip’s 1958 bequest of artworks and her wish to support student learning at the University. 

The Whistler Scholarships are open to students in all disciplines of the College of Arts & Humanities. The award committee is willing to consider both individual applications AND joint applications (from up to THREE students). Innovative interdisciplinary work is particularly encouraged. However, students may only involve themselves in the submission of ONE application (individual OR joint).

The Whistler Scholarships cover travel, accommodation and subsistence expenses ONLY. 

Please see the individual schemes below for further details about eligibility and the awards offered. 

SCHEME 1: Open to postgraduate students (Taught or Research) in ANY discipline within the College of Arts & Humanities. An award (up to £1500) is offered to support travel and subsistence expenses related to a project on any aspect of the University's Whistler collections. The Committee is particular keen to support projects that promote collections research, student professional development and/or engagement in public-facing activity. The kinds of projects eligible for funding include (but are not limited to) student research network/knowledge exchange activity and events such as workshops, visual displays, film and live performance.

NB: Such projects may present technical and logistical implications for Hunterian and/or Archives & Special Collections staff. In such cases, applicants should have a) discussed their project proposal at an early stage with the appropriate member of Hunterian/ Archives & Special Collections staff and b) secured their approval well in advance of the application. In such cases, applicants will be required to ask the member of staff to complete a signed supporting statement and to include it with their application form. The number of awards made each year is at the discretion of the Committee.

SCHEME 2: Open to postgraduate AND undergraduate students in ANY discipline within the College of Arts & Humanities. Awards are offered to support general academic and career development, e.g., dissertation work, work placement activity or conference attendance. Open to students engaged in work on any topic. Please note that the majority of awards will not exceed £1000. 

Number of Scholarships

Up to 20 awards

Value

Up to £1,000 

How to apply

Applications for 2025/2026 will open on 1st January 2025.

 

Applicants should fill in the Beatrix Whistler and James McNeill Whistler Scholarship form by 5pm, 31st March.

 

For more information contact: patricia.de-montfort@glasgow.ac.uk