The Glasgow Art Club: Celebrating the first 150 Years.
Founded in 1867, the Glasgow Art Club has been an esteemed presence in the city’s rich cultural scene for 150 years. Steeped in heritage, the Club has been witness to generations of the city’s most innovative and creative inhabitants. Today the Glasgow Art Club is a dynamic community of men and women of all ages and backgrounds for whom the Arts are an essential part of everyday life.
An exhibition telling the story of the first 150 years of The Glasgow Art Club is now open to the public.
The exhibition explores GAC's colourful history through archival material and paintings and sculptures of the Club's own collection alongside a number of major loans from the Royal Collection (by gracious permission of HM Queen Elizabeth II) and from a number of private collections in Scotland and beyond.
A never been seen before watercolour by Sir John Lavery, titled Mary, ‘Queen of Scots at Langside’ is one of several works that have been generously lent by Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II from the Royal Collection. It was painted by Lavery, one of the earliest members of the Glasgow Art Club, in 1888 and was part of a presentation of work given by the Club’s members to King Edward VII and Queen Alexandria, when Prince and Princess of Wales, at the opening of the Glasgow International Exhibition in 1888.
Other highlights include a display of works presented to Her Majesty The Queen in 1977, her Silver Jubilee year which includes a quirky little painting by George Wylie titled ‘Royal Coach’.
Efric McNeil, President of the Glasgow Art Club said “This is an incredible opportunity for members of the public to see some unseen works. We are extremely grateful to The Royal Collection Trust for lending these works that depict the history of the Glasgow Art Club in this very special year.”
The Herald's Ken Smith paid the Club a visit to discuss the exhibition. You can read the article here
Club President Efric McNeil spoke to STV about the exhibition, you can catch up here
The exhibition runs from the 2nd June to 31st July 2017, entry is free.
Members of the public can view the exhibition between 11am and 4pm daily (closed Sundays).
Simply ring the doorbell and a member of staff will welcome you in.
Sir John Lavery, Mary, Queen of Scots at Langside, watercolour, 1888. Royal Collection Trust/ © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2017, www.roylacollection.org.uk