The McManus Galleries shows Highlights from the Dundee Art Galleries & Museums

Written by Iain McDowell Friday, 27 January 2012 22:56

Dundee, Scotland.- The McManus Galleries are proud to present "Delebrated", on view from January 27th through August 12th. In 2008, the fine and applied art collections of Dundee Art Galleries & Museums were designated as being of national importance. This display showcases these collections with a selection of key works, including Stanley Spencer's 'Ferry Hotel Lawn, Cookham' and Fantin-Latour's 'Roses', that have recently returned to the City from loan to prestigious exhibitions across the country, and Laura Knight's newly conserved 'Last Act'. Housed in a splendid Gothic Revival-style building and displaying Dundee's main collection, the museum is managed and operated by Leisure and Culture Dundee.

The building has undergone an exciting and extensive refurbishment programme, funded by Dundee City Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the European Union and Historic Scotland, with additional contributions from The McManus Fundraising Appeal. Voted Dundee's best loved building in 2000, The McManus has been at the heart of art and culture in the city since its opening in 1867 - when it was then known as the Albert Institute for Science, Literature and the Arts. Over the years, the building has been beset by problems, owing to the fact that it has been built on land which was formerly marshland, immediately north of the old city walls of Dundee. It was renamed 'McManus Galleries' in the mid 1980s in recognition of Maurice McManus OBE, twice Lord Provost of Dundee who championed works during the period which stabilised the building.

However by 2000, it was clear that more work would be needed, and to provide a truly modern museum experience, a decision was taken to completely restore the building and its services with a focus on how it functions and how best to provide an accessible service to the visiting public. The project has brought the 143 year-old facility into the 21st century and provides a greatly improved visitor experience and a 'must see' attraction in the heart of the City and Tayside. This project is now complete, and the 'revitalised' McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum re-opened to the public on Sunday 28 February 2010.

A richly varied collection with over 4,000 works - oil paintings, watercolours, drawings, artists’ prints and sculptures. Excellent coverage of 19th and 20th century Scottish Art – with notable Dundee artists, John Duncan and McIntosh Patrick. Fine Art Photography, by Joseph McKenzie among others, is a new area. Active Contemporary collecting of new media and paintings. An important collection of Scottish Provincial Silver, about 400 items, with excellent coverage of all known Dundee makers. Ceramics range from ornamental Japanese Satsuma ware and English 18th century porcelain to an expanding collection of Contemporary Studio Ceramics by mainly Scottish makers. 21st century art glass is an exciting new area. Visit the museum's website at ... http://www.themcmanus-dundee.gov.uk

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