Burrell heads east

73 masterworks from the Burrell Collection are to embark on a five-stop tour of Japan later this year.

The tour is expected to raise the international profile of the Glasgow museum while it undergoes major refurbishment.

Seven supporting works from Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery will also be included in the exhibition that runs from October 2018 to January 2020.

The Japanese tour is sponsored by Mainichi Newspapers Co., Ltd, which is currently hosting paintings by Turner from the collection of the National Galleries of Scotland.

Speaking from Tokyo where she is on a trade and cultural mission, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said:

“The Burrell Collection is a world-class and internationally significant museum, with many rare and wonderful items.

“Last year the Scottish Government was able to contribute £5 million towards ensuring that the building in Pollok Country Park becomes a fitting 21st century home for the Burrell.

“Today I am delighted to announce that a selection of artworks from the Burrell Collection will go on to tour Japan for the very first time later this year.

“From Fukuoka to Tokyo to Hiroshima it is wonderful news that people across Japan will now be able to enjoy these precious artworks.”

James Robinson, Director, Burrell Renaissance, commented:

“It is truly exciting that works by Boudin, Degas and Manet will be seen by audiences in Japan for the first time. This is made possible by a recent revision in the Burrell Collection’s lending code which empowers it to participate in exhibitions overseas. 

“The tour of Japan is the most extensive programme that we have developed with foreign partners. It will be accompanied by a Japanese language catalogue to ensure that the quality and comprehensiveness of the Burrell’s collection of French paintings is enjoyed by as wide an audience as possible”.

Chair of Glasgow Life, and Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor David McDonald, said:

“The Burrell Collection has already inspired generations of Glaswegians and many thousands of visitors to our city.

“This is a unique opportunity for people across Japan to share that experience and view a selection of exceptional artworks from the Burrell.”

Background

The exhibition, titled A Voyage to Impressionism: vision of a great ship owner – collector, will be displayed at the following venues:

• Prefectural Museum of Art, Fukuoka from 12 October 2018 – 9 December 2018
• Museum of Art, Ehime from 19 December 2018 – 24 March 2019
• Bunkamura Museum of Art, Tokyo from 27 April 2019 – 30 June 2019
• City Museum of Art, Shizuoka from 7 August 2019 – 20 October 2019
• Prefectural Museum of Art, Hiroshima from 2 November 2019 – 26 January 2020