GLASGOW.- A specially curated exhibition that draws on the singular strength of the Medieval Treasures contained within the Burrell Collection has opened at
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The exhibition has been curated by Sir Paul Ruddock, former Chairman of the V and A Museum in London, who is regarded as the most significant collector of medieval material in the world.
Burrell at Kelvingrove: Collecting Medieval Treasures draws from the range of objects collected by Sir William Burrell (1861-1958) to bring together works in wood, alabaster, stone, metal, ivory, ceramics and stained glass and also includes paintings and tapestries. The exhibition will run until 27 May 2019.
Sir Pauls selections from the Collection include a Triptych altarpiece containing a carved alabaster panel depicting the head of St John the Baptist, an Aquamanile that has Hebrew inscriptions from around 1300, the tapestry Peasants Preparing to Hunt Rabbits with Ferrets dated between 1470 and1490 and a stained glass depicting Princess Cecily made in England between 1482 and 1487.
This is the latest in a series of exhibitions being held at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum demonstrating the quality and breadth of Sir William Burrells collection while the listed building that houses it in Pollok Park is being refurbished.
Sir Paul Ruddock said: The Medieval European Collection is one of the undoubted highlights of the gift Sir William Burrell gave to Glasgow. Much of it was bought to furnish Hutton Castle at a time when Sir Williams spending on collecting was increasing after the sale of much of his fleet and was purchased when rivalry with other great collectors of the age was at its peak. This exhibition features a selection of the best objects from the collection including some that I have picked to represent the scope of Sir Williams collecting tastes and the quality of the overall collection.
Burrell at Kelvingrove: Collecting Medieval Treasures is also supported by a series of events.