Sir Mark Jones – The V ision

This project was the idea of Alan Langlands, then Chancellor of Dundee University, and Georgina Follett, of Duncan of Jordanstone College. They and university secretary David Duncan were talking about how they could build on the success of Dundee Contemporary Arts with a project that would enhance Dundee’s national and international reputation so that the city could be a more attractive place to academics.

David came to see me at the V&A. I told him that the V&A was keen to get its exhibitions seen outside London so if Dundee could provide a brilliant venue then the V&A would be interested in showing at least one major exhibition a year. But it was very much Dundee’s project, with the V&A lending its name and some exhibitions. The history of design wasn’t part of the original scheme.

When I was Director of the National Museums of Scotland we were involved in various projects in Dundee so I knew the city, and understood that there is a gap between Dundee’s potential and some perceptions of it. It’s a fine city in a really beautiful situation on the Tay. It seemed like this project could challenge those negative perceptions and provide a real creative hub in Dundee.

I believed that if we approached this in the right way, we could deliver a building which would become a symbol of the way in which creative design could help the culture, society and economy of not just Dundee but Scotland.

Scotland’s design history is even richer than I realised, allowing our curators to create something that is going to be a revelation. It’s particularly wonderful to have Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s tea room restored and in place.

I’ve been really heartened by the fact that this project has created global interest and an increased awareness of Dundee. From the moment that the scheme was announced it’s been a catalyst for the city’s regeneration; so many businesses and hotels have been attracted to the city, so it’s already had an effect.

We picked the location because we wanted the building to be as visible as possible as you come into Dundee, or if you’re in the city centre looking towards the waterfront. It’s intended to be conspicuous, which is why we wanted an internationally-known architect.

From conception to completion took around ten years, and the outcome has exceeded my expectations. It’s important to remember that it’s Dundee’s project, it’s not the V&A’s project – the V&A lent its name and curatorial expertise, but it’s a local board, the fundraising was all done locally, and the building belongs to Dundee. Sir Mark Jones is a former director of the V&A, and a former director of the National Museums of Scotland.