Edinburgh, Scotland - This spring the National Gallery of Scotland’s warding and front-of-house staff will be given the opportunity to choose some of their favourite works for a new exhibition. More than 30 members of staff will select their own personal favourite print, drawing or watercolour. Staff have been able to choose freely from across the Gallery’s graphics collection, resulting in a fascinating array of works of different styles, schools and periods. Many of the works selected are not often on display. The show will demonstrate not only the warders’ great knowledge of and affection for the Gallery’s collection, but will also allow them the opportunity to reveal their own personal tastes and interests.
 
The warders are not only responsible for the safety and security of the Gallery’s collection, but also help to make its thousands of visitors feel welcome. This special show will give you the chance to find out more about the role of these staff, who spend much of their working day with the collection and are vital to the smooth running of the galleries.
 
Warders’ Choice will include works by artists Stanley Cursiter (who was also Director of the Gallery from 1930 to 1948), D.O. Hill (the great pioneer of photography), Sir Joseph Noel Paton, Alexander Nasmyth and J.M.W. Turner.
 
Valerie Hunter, curator of the exhibition, said: “This is the first time that the warding staff have been able to contribute so personally to the National Gallery’s exhibition programme. I have been amazed by how much they know about some of the works in our collection and fascinated by many of the very personal reasons for their choice of art works. The exhibition will give people the chance to see some wonderful highlights from the collection, as well as revealing something of the personalities of the people who are closest to it.”
 
On exhibition through 27 April, 2008.

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