Iconic painting boosts Perth’s culture hopes
Perth’s culture chief says an exhibition of the iconic Monarch of the Glen portrait later this year will underline the city’s bid for the UK City of Culture title.
Helen Smout, chief executive of Culture Perth and Kinross said: “It’s fantastic news that Perth Museum and Art Gallery is one of the stop-off points on the national tour.
“It underlines Perth’s ability to host these big-name travelling exhibitions and consolidates our credentials as a serious contender for UK City of Culture 2021 status.
“I am sure The Monarch of the Glen will be a big draw for art lovers across Perthshire and beyond.”
The famed 1851 masterpiece by Sir Edwin Lanseer is due to visit Perth Museum and Art Gallery for a seven-week period from November 25, 2017 until January 14, 2018.
The Fair City stop is one of a handful made possible by the Scottish Government and Heritage Lottery Fund-backed support. It will also see the stag painting on display at culture rival Paisley, as well as Inverness and Kirkcudbright.
Just months ago its future had been uncertain after it was placed on the market by owners Diageo. But it was secured by the National Galleries of Scotland after being sold for less than half its £10million valuation after a global fundraising drive to keep the painting in the country.
The museum and art gallery is using the painting’s exhibition to show off other fine works which mirror the romanticised version of landscape and wildlife. These include paintings from the permanent collection such as the much-loved Loch Katrine by Horatio McCulloch. A series of events to appeal to different audiences is also in the pipeline.
The whittled-down shortlist for the UK culture title is due to be made public in July and the winner announced in December.
Monarch of the Glen by Sir Edward Landseer