Discovering Degas – The Burrell Collection
A new exhibition showcasing Sir William Burrell’s complete collection of prized works by Hilaire-Germain-Edgar Degas (1834-1917) will open at The Burrell Collection on Friday 24th May 2024.
Discovering Degas: Collecting in the Age of William Burrell is the first time visitors can marvel at all 23 Degas works from Burrell’s original collection together in one place, including one from Berwick Museum and Art Gallery. These exquisite works will be enhanced by the display of around 50 further exceptional paintings, works on paper and sculptures on loan from some of the UK and world’s finest national and international collections.
Almost 70% of the works are coming on loan from respected collections including The Courtauld, National Museums Liverpool Walker Art Gallery, The National Gallery London, The National Museum Cardiff, and the National Galleries of Scotland in the UK and Musée d’Orsay, Paris.
Loans are supported by the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund. Created by the Garfield Weston Foundation and Art Fund, the Weston Loan Programme is the first ever UK-wide funding scheme to enable smaller and local authority museums to borrow works of art and artefacts from national collections.
Pippa Stephenson-Sit, Curator of European Art at Glasgow Life Museums, who co-curated the exhibitiion, said: “This spring, for the first time, visitors to the Burrell can explore Sir William Burrell’s incredible collection of works, by one of the world’s most revered artists, in its entirety.
“Discovering Degas promises to be a vibrant, engaging exhibition. We have drawn on everything that has made the Burrell so successful and distilled this into our Special Exhibition Programme. The exhibition will offer a unique introduction and fresh perspectives on a hugely popular art movement.
“We are indebted to the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund and the many national and international collections who have loaned significant works, enabling The Burrell to host what promises to be a breath-taking show.
“Degas was popular with British collectors at the turn of the twentieth century, who helped “discover” his appeal and innovation and his artworks remain extremely popular with visitors today. Indeed, we hope a whole new audience will discover Degas through this exhibition. This is also an important opportunity to better understand Degas in his entirety, both as a brilliant artist but also as a man whose opinions and ideas would not go unchallenged today. Above all, though, this exhibition will be a wonderful opportunity to view stunning international works, share the strength of Burrell’s legacy, and provide new ways for visitors to view and engage with our incredible collection.”
Discovering Degas: Collecting in the Age of William Burrell opens on Friday 24 May 2024 and runs until Monday 30 September 2024. Tickets are available at burrellcollection.com, priced £13.50/ £11/ £7/ £5 / under 12 free.