Duncan Dornan Knihy

The world-famous Burrell Collection reopens to the world in the spring of 2021 after a multi-million pound refurbishment. This new guidebook functions as both a memento and a tool for visitors as they peruse the galleries, which house tapestries, stained glass, Chinese art, French paintings, medieval sculpture and much more. It contains key objects and gallery highlights, offering visitors who require it more in depth information about the fantastic collection Sir William Burrell gave to his home city, Glasgow, in 1944. The opening essays illuminate the background story to this huge collection of over 9,000 objects, and touch on the building's history and recent redevelopment. The guidebook reflects the scope of the new galleries, helping to orient visitors further.

In 1944, Sir William Burrell and his wife Constance gifted their extensive collection of over 6,000 objects to the City of Glasgow, enriching the cultural landscape for its citizens. By Sir William's death in 1958, the collection had expanded to 9,000 items, including Neolithic Chinese pottery and works by Degas. He also allocated funds for a dedicated building, which opened in 1983, designed by Barry Gasson, John Meunier, and Brit Andresen, attracting millions and marking a cultural renaissance for Glasgow. The city transformed from an industrial hub into a vibrant center of culture and heritage, hosting significant events like the Turner Prize and the Commonwealth Games. However, after years of wear, the Burrell Collection closed in late 2016 for extensive refurbishment and redisplay. Following a closure of over five years, this moment emphasizes the vital role of art, culture, and philanthropy in shaping community health and wellbeing. The authors explore the importance of publicly funded cultural spaces as essential for fostering creativity, collaboration, and learning. They also discuss the Collection's global significance and the architectural relevance of its building, both historically and in the present day, enhanced by essays and a selection of the Collection’s treasures.