MARSEILLES.- Some of the most iconic late 19th century French paintings from the Burrell Collection have gone on show for the first time outside of Great Britain.

From 18 May to 23 September 2018, visitors to Marseilles will see 58 works from the Burrell Collection at the inaugural exhibition Courbet, Degas, Cézanne… Chefs-d'oeuvre réalistes et impressionistes de la collection Burrell, at the newly reopened Musée Cantini, Marseilles.

The exhibition includes an impressive range of artists – Boudin, Cézanne, Corot, Courbet, Daubigny, Daumier, Degas, Manet, Millet, Pissarro and Sisley however what is even more astonishing is that none of these paintings have been seen in France since the time of their acquisition.

The works on display represent an important aspect of Sir William Burrell’s taste, namely, his love of French 19th century art, from realism to impressionism.

An exceptional landscape by Paul Cézanne, The Château of Médan (c.1880), is on display in the artist’s home region of France for the first time since it was purchased by Sir William. An acknowledged masterpiece, the painting is all the more breath-taking because of its historic associations. Once owned by Paul Gaugin who admired its adventurous composition and use of colour, it depicts the house of Émile Zola, possibly the most prominent French novelist of the late 19th century.

This is the first exhibition outside Great Britain devoted exclusively to the Burrell Collection.

Eva Bolander, Lord Provost, says: “The Burrell Collection has inspired millions of visitors to the City of Glasgow. Now the Burrell’s exceptional collection of French paintings is to be shown overseas for the first time, enabling new audiences across the globe to experience these unique works. The City of Glasgow and the City of Marseilles have been twin cities since 2006 and this high-profile collaboration only strengthens our ties further.”

Sir Angus Grossart, Chair of Burrell Renaissance, comments, “The exhibition of French paintings underlines a chapter of the highest quality within the Burrell Collection. It reflects the width and quality of Sir William’s collecting achievements and his outward looking international perspectives.”

James Robinson, Director of Burrell Renaissance, says, “Our collaboration with the Musée Cantini, Marseilles, has provided a wonderful opportunity to bring iconic works to new audiences. The Burrell has articulated a vision that will enable the Collection to engage more meaningfully with international audiences, it is therefore extremely gratifying to see the very distinguished collection of French paintings released on the world-stage in these ground-breaking exhibitions.”

Dr Frances Fowle, Chair, Burrell Trustees, comments, “'The Burrell Trustees are pleased to support the overseas tours which not only create a context for the exchange of research and expertise, but help to raise the profile of the Burrell collection internationally while the building is closed for much needed refurbishment.'

The exhibition takes place whilst the Burrell Collection undergoes an estimated £66 million refurbishment of its building and redisplay of its extensive Collection. Plans for the refurbishment and redisplay of the Burrell will see the museum’s public space increase by 83% and gallery space increase by 35% with store rooms on the lower ground floor open to the public for the first time. As well as improved facilities including café and retail opportunities, landscaped terraces will link the museum to its parkland setting, enhancing the visitor experience. A re-interpretation of treasures of the Collection will also tell much more of a story about their importance and how they were collected, with an increase in artworks on display across the museum’s collections.

Courbet, Degas, Cézanne… Chefs-d'oeuvre réalistes et impressionistes de la collection Burrell can be seen at the Musée Cantini, Marseilles from 18 May to 23 September 2018.