CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Duncan Dornan to retire as Head of Glasgow Life Museums and Collections

Duncan Dornan is retiring as Head of Glasgow Life Museums and Collections after nine years in the role.

Duncan Dornan to retire as Head of Glasgow Life Museums and Collections

Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 22 July 2024 13:21

Image: Duncan (left) is pictured receiving the 2023 Art Fund Museum of the Year prize for Glasgow’s Burrell Collection from artist Sir Grayson Perry at a ceremony at the British Museum in London.

Duncan has been with Glasgow Life for more than a decade, initially as Senior Museums Manager before becoming Head of Glasgow Life Museums in 2015. He will step down on Friday 23 August 2024.

As Head of Glasgow Life Museums and Collections, Duncan has been responsible for the planning and delivery of many of the city’s major museum projects and initiatives, including:

• The £68.25m refurbishment of the Burrell Collection. In 2023, The Burrell was named recipient of the world’s most prestigious museums’ prize, The Art Fund Museum of the Year. Since reopening in March 2022, the museum has attracted 1.3m visitors.

• The ongoing £35.9m refurbishment of the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens, which was initiated through a successful funding application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF).

• Banksy surprising the art world and beyond with his first exhibition in more than a decade at Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA). The show attracted over 180,000 visitors across its 10-week run from June to August 2023 and boosted the city’s economy by £13.5m.

• The refurbishment of Provand’s Lordship, Glasgow’s oldest building, which was repaired at a cost of £1.6m and reopened in March 2024.

• Glasgow Life Museums becoming the first museums service in the UK to repatriate objects to India and continuing to negotiate the return of other city-held museums objects to their rightful owners.

• The creation of a dedicated curator role to explore legacies of slavery and empire in Glasgow’s collections as well as new exhibitions and displays aimed at providing a better understanding of the city’s role in transatlantic slavery and colonialism.

Glasgow Life Museums are assets of national and international significance and play a crucial role in driving visits to Glasgow and Scotland.

Under Duncan’s tenure, Glasgow Life Museums recorded almost four million visits in 2023/24. More than half of all visits (55%) were from people outside the UK and over 85% of these said visiting a Glasgow Life Museum was a reason for coming to Scotland.

At the same time, Glasgow Life Museums has been able to diversify its local audience, with 50% of visitors living in parts of the city that face some of the highest levels of deprivation in Scotland (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, SIMD 1 and 2).

Duncan Dornan, Head of Glasgow Life Museums and Collections, said: “The people of Glasgow have a real sense of pride in their ownership of the city’s museums. It has been an enormous privilege to lead Glasgow Life Museums and I would like to thank my incredible team whose passion and care for the city’s collections has driven record numbers of local and international visitors. One in every three visits to a local authority museum in Scotland today is to a museum in Glasgow.

“Glasgow Life Museums bring audiences to Scotland because of their exceptional quality, breadth, and diversity. Our offer is both unique and world leading, and our role as an innovator in museums practice is recognised globally, which is something I am very proud of.”


Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life said: “Glasgow’s museums have always belonged to the people of Glasgow. They are cherished by local people because they show who we were, who we are and who we want to be. Anyone who has ever visited one of Glasgow’s great museums has reason to be grateful for Duncan’s exceptional contributions.

“Duncan has taken Glasgow Life Museums to even greater heights, and this is reflected in the awards and interest we receive from around the world. On behalf of everyone at Glasgow Life, I wish him the very best for the future and a long and fulfilling retirement.”


The search for a new Head of Glasgow Life Museums and Collections is already underway. Saxton Bampfylde is Glasgow Life’s recruitment partner for this senior appointment. Candidates interested in applying for the role should contact Will Timmins at will.timmins@saxbam.com for more information.

Sponsored Links

Glasgow City Council
City Sightseeing Glasgow
City Of Glasgow Chorus
One Ren

Latest Glasgow News

Gaelic arts and culture in Glasgow are set to be supported and strengthened by plan to promote participation and enable engagement

Gaelic arts and culture in Glasgow are set to be supported and strengthened by plan to promote participation and enable engagement

A new plan has been introduced by Glasgow Life to safeguard, strengthen and celebrate Gaelic language, arts, music and culture in Glasgow.

READ MORE
Birds to launch in partnership with Phillies of Shawlands this March

Birds to launch in partnership with Phillies of Shawlands this March

Glasgow's food scene is about to welcome an exciting new player as award-winning burger chef announces exciting new fried chicken venture, Birds!

READ MORE
Flight Club Glasgow launches NEW Margarita Menu ahead of National Margarita Day

Flight Club Glasgow launches NEW Margarita Menu ahead of National Margarita Day

The Glasgow cocktail bar and Social Darts experience is paying homage to the tequila-based cocktail for an entire month with its new limited-edition menu.

READ MORE
Thousands of preloved books for children to find new homes through Asda instore donation points in Scotland

Thousands of preloved books for children to find new homes through Asda instore donation points in Scotland

The initiative enables customers across the UK to donate pre-loved children's books in-store, for onward gifting to families with fewer books of their own.

READ MORE
Five reasons to visit the hottest new public house in Glasgow, The Noble

Five reasons to visit the hottest new public house in Glasgow, The Noble

The Noble is set to open in Glasgow's city centre on 19th of February at 8am with booking lines now open.

READ MORE
Glasgow Club celebrates 25 years of spreading love for health, fitness and community as it marks its anniversary on Valentines Day

Glasgow Club celebrates 25 years of spreading love for health, fitness and community as it marks its anniversary on Valentines Day

Scotland's largest network of health and fitness centres, Glasgow Club – which is operated by Glasgow Life – celebrates its 25th anniversary on Valentine's Day.

READ MORE
Cineworld is the best place to enjoy both new Captain America and Bridget Jones movies

Cineworld is the best place to enjoy both new Captain America and Bridget Jones movies

Set to be this year’s Barbenheimer, the two hotly anticipated films will be shown across a range of formats at Cineworld, where spectacular offers and merch will make your date night unforgettable.

READ MORE
Marstons is going marmalade mad in celebration of Paddington in Peru

Marstons is going marmalade mad in celebration of Paddington in Peru

To celebrate the Home Release of Paddington in Peru, Marston's has created a limited-edition marmalade-inspired children's menu, which will be available in over 250 Marston's pubs nationwide!

READ MORE
Scots charity calls on young Scottish poets for national campaign

Scots charity calls on young Scottish poets for national campaign

Communities across Scotland are being invited to make a visible show of support for LGBTQ+ young people this Purple Friday.

READ MORE
From Barra to Buenos Aires: Worldwide Gaelic celebration just around the corner

From Barra to Buenos Aires: Worldwide Gaelic celebration just around the corner

The Gaelic language is set to be celebrated around the world in less than two weeks' time as Seachdain na Gàidhlig, World Gaelic Week, gets set to return from 24th February - 2nd March.

READ MORE
The Rocky Horror Show tour smashes records

The Rocky Horror Show tour smashes records

The Rocky Horror Show has once again cemented its status as a cultural phenomenon, with the 2024/2025 tour being the most successful ever staged in the show's 50+ year history!

READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries awards further funding to Glasgow causes in ongoing community scheme

Buchanan Galleries awards further funding to Glasgow causes in ongoing community scheme

Three local causes and community initiatives have received financial support from Glasgow shopping centre Buchanan Galleries to help them continue to make a difference.

READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival announces judging panel for Sir Billy Connolly award and first Gala line up

Glasgow International Comedy Festival announces judging panel for Sir Billy Connolly award and first Gala line up

Glasgow International Comedy Festival have revealed 2025's judging panel for the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, plus announced the first names for this year's Comedy Gala!

READ MORE
TRNSMT reveals another nine acts for Glasgow Green 2025

TRNSMT reveals another nine acts for Glasgow Green 2025

Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has today announced more acts taking to the stage at this summer's Glasgow Green extravaganza!

READ MORE
Brides hit the runway as Scottish Wedding Show prepares for take off

Brides hit the runway as Scottish Wedding Show prepares for take off

The Scottish Wedding Show, is preparing for take-off and getting ready to welcome thousands of engaged couples to the SEC, Glasgow from 22-23 February to help them plan their wedding!

READ MORE
Singer championed by Eddie Vedder announced as Roger Daltrey tour special guest

Singer championed by Eddie Vedder announced as Roger Daltrey tour special guest

Legendary rock singer Roger Daltrey has announced Linka Moja as the special guest who will be joining him on his UK tour in April and May.

READ MORE
Glasgow Fort shoppers donate nearly 4,000 gifts to support FARE Scotland annual toy appeal

Glasgow Fort shoppers donate nearly 4,000 gifts to support FARE Scotland annual toy appeal

Easterhouse charity, FARE Scotland, has revealed the number of donations collected from Glasgow Fort as part of its annual toy appeal.

READ MORE
First Bus is calling on people in Glasgow to celebrate their mums in a unique way

First Bus is calling on people in Glasgow to celebrate their mums in a unique way

Offering a gift like no other, mums could see their faces displayed across the cities on the side of the First Bus fleet!

READ MORE
Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling

Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling

THE organisation behind one of Scotland's most historic travel traditions is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers.

READ MORE
The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show returns to Glasgow

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show returns to Glasgow

Here's everything you need to know about the biggest show of its kind in Scotland!

READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival announce Janey Godley tribute show featuring Elaine C Smith, Susie McCabe and more

Glasgow International Comedy Festival announce Janey Godley tribute show featuring Elaine C Smith, Susie McCabe and more

Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF) has announced a special tribute show for comedian Janey Godley, 'An Afternoon for Janey', which will raise funds for two charities.

READ MORE
Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland

Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland

Award winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.

READ MORE
An Evening with Sir Chris Hoy, live in Glasgow this March

An Evening with Sir Chris Hoy, live in Glasgow this March

Don't miss this rare opportunity to spend an evening with Sir Chris Hoy, one of Great Britain's most celebrated sporting legends.

READ MORE
Bonjour, burger lovers... love is in the air!

Bonjour, burger lovers... love is in the air!

Fat Hippo gets frisky with 'Le French Kiss' this Valentine's Day!

READ MORE
Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies

Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies

This March, Dobbies Garden Centres is offering a new hands-on Mother's Day experience, combining a luxury Afternoon Tea with a seasonal planting workshop.

READ MORE
Wonder Fools bring their new production, The Kelton Hill Fair, to the Tron Theatre Glasgow

Wonder Fools bring their new production, The Kelton Hill Fair, to the Tron Theatre Glasgow

After an incredible sold out and award-winning run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024, Wonder Fools are delighted to bring their brand new show The Kelton Hill Fair to Glasgow.

READ MORE
El Perro Negro turns up the heat for Valentines with Vault City Brewing

El Perro Negro turns up the heat for Valentines with Vault City Brewing

Forget the candlelit dinners and awkward fancy meals this Valentine's Day, El Perro Negro and Vault City Brewing are bringing the heat, flavor, and fizz to burger lovers across Glasgow.

READ MORE
Fayre Play spreads the love with free tickets across Glasgow

Fayre Play spreads the love with free tickets across Glasgow

Glasgow's favourite fairground-themed night out, Fayre Play, are sharing the love this Valentine’s season with an exciting giveaway across the city.

READ MORE
The List set to launch Eat & Drink 365, brand new food guides for Edinburgh and Glasgow

The List set to launch Eat & Drink 365, brand new food guides for Edinburgh and Glasgow

The print publication will launch in Edinburgh this May with a separate Glasgow edition planned for later in the year.

READ MORE
Tropical Tiki Bar unveils new Darts Den with state of the art lanes

Tropical Tiki Bar unveils new Darts Den with state of the art lanes

Get ready to up your game, Glasgow! The city's most exotic hideaway, Tiki Bar, has unveiled an exciting new addition to its offering!

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
Fayre Play
Ayrshire Hospice
Gin To My Tonic
ATG

Sponsored Links

Glasgow City Council
City Sightseeing Glasgow
City Of Glasgow Chorus
One Ren
Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
Fayre Play
Ayrshire Hospice
Gin To My Tonic
ATG

Popular Events

Summer Nights at the Bandstand
The Summer Nights at the Bandstand festival returns to Kelvingrove Park for a tenth year with 13 nights of live music from elbow, Billy Ocean, Hue And Cry, Teenage Fanclub and many more!
Day Fever Glasgow
DAY FEVER COMES TO GLASGOW! Yes, that's right! Day Fever, the Saturday daytime disco, that doesn't ruin your Sunday, is returning to BAaD!
Enlightenment: An Immersive Light Show
Watch the iconic Merchants House of Glasgow come alive with Enlightenment, a spectacular sound and light show, set to the enchanting melodies of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons!
Glasgow Summer Sessions: Punk All Dayer
The Punk All Dayer, with Sex Pistols (Steve Jones, Paul Cook, Glen Matlock) featuring Frank Carter, The Stranglers, The Undertones and more comes to Bellahouston Park in June!
Bridging Communities - The Extended Edition
Bridging Communities are bringing together individuals, communities and business networks for this one-day event to bridge communities, spark connections and inspire action.

Popular Listings

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum King's Theatre Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut O2 Academy Glasgow SEC Armadillo Theatre Royal Glasgow The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The OVO Hydro