GLASGOW.- A new exhibition Burrell at Kelvingrove: Joseph Crawhall offers visitors a rare opportunity to see 23 of the finest works by one of the country’s most accomplished yet lesser known artists, Joseph Crawhall (1861–1913). The exhibition from 24 October 2016 – July 2017, is the first time in more than twenty-five years that many of the works on display have been seen together in Scotland, and offers visitors a unique opportunity to trace Crawhall’s development and range as an artist.

Known as a leader of the radical group of young Scottish painters, the Glasgow Boys, Crawhall won national and international acclaim with his watercolours and gouaches on linen of animals and birds. Although his work was executed with all the accomplishment of his contemporaries such as Sargent, Whistler and Lavery, Crawhall is sparsely represented in the UK’s large national collections, and is little known outside of Scotland. However the artist’s technical brilliance was so admired by shipping magnate and collector Sir William Burrell, that Sir William acquired more works by Crawhall than by any other painter, with 140 works by the artist in the collection.

Throughout the Burrell’s refurbishment, Burrell at Kelvingrove showcases a series of changing displays, giving visitors continued access to treasures from the Burrell’s collection. The display space has also been used to prototype designs and display methods for the refurbished museum – from story displays for artworks, and prototyping of digital user experiences, to the design of visitor facilities – giving audiences the opportunity to help shape the visitor experience and redisplay of the collection.

Sir Angus Grossart, Chair of Burrell Renaissance comments, “Crawhall was known to have destroyed many of his works. The Burrell Collection to have 140 works by the artist, which demonstrates the strength of the collection. It is an example of Sir William’s passion and acumen as a truly important collector. It is this legacy which underpins our aspirations to raise the Burrell’s international profile and share significant works from the collection with audiences worldwide.”

Councillor Archie Graham OBE, the Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow Life, says: “Joseph Crawhall is one of the most distinguished of the Glasgow Boys and we’re delighted to be able to share rarely seen works by Crawhall with audiences and visitors Kelvingrove. As we embark on the refurbishment and redisplay of the museum in Pollok Park, Burrell at Kelvingrove will give visitors the opportunity to understand and engage with our plans for what will be a world-class home for Sir William’s great legacy.”

James Robinson, Director of Burrell Renaissance says, “This display reflects our ambition to highlight the rare and unique works held within our collection, and to share these with wider audiences in Glasgow and internationally. During the Burrell’s Renaissance project, Burrell at Kelvingrove also gives us the opportunity to prototype cutting-edge design, interpretation and display methods, ensuring we deliver a Burrell Collection redisplay that defines everything a 21st century museum should be.”