Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 4 September 2024 8:40
Image: Images of Pixie Howitt, Jada-Jo Branney and Darcey McKechnie from the Dance School of Scotland, performing at The Burrell for artist and Glasgow Life Museums Learning Assistant Sarah Wilson by SNS
Over 30,000 people have already seen Discovering Degas: Collecting in the Time of Sir William Burrell, making it one of the most popular shows in Scotland this summer, confirmed Glasgow Life, the charity that leads on culture and sport in the city.
With a little over three weeks left to enjoy the must-see show, art lovers are being encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity, before the exhibition closes at the end of the month.
Thousands more are expected to make the most of this once in a lifetime occasion to see all 23 Degas works from Burrell's original collection together in one space. They are displayed alongside 28 further world-class artworks on loan from some the UK and Europe’s finest collections, including the renowned and controversial work L’Absinthe, on loan from Musée d’Orsay, Paris.
Pippa Stephenson-Sit, Curator of European Art at Glasgow Life Museums, who co-curated the exhibition, said: “It’s been wonderful to watch people discover the joys of Degas for the first-time, while also sharing in the excitement of those who adore the artist, as they take in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some of Degas’s finest paintings, loaned from across the country and beyond, up close, and personal.
“Degas was a master of intricate detail, and with each visit there is something new to explore in his paintings, sculptures, and drawings. What’s more, this is a great chance to learn more about exactly how and why Sir William Burrell managed to collect such an important and impressive collection of artwork by this key Impressionist artist. It’s amazing to see these works displayed together in one place. With only a few weeks left, I’d encourage everyone to make time to see the show while you still can.”
Discovering Degas offers a chance to learn something new about an intriguing, immensely talented artist. It presents a fresh perspective on a hugely popular art movement, enabling visitors to better understand Degas in his entirety. As shown through fascinating letters and other archival material, Burrell is amongst the earliest Scottish collectors to buy works by Degas. Over a 40-year collecting period he bought over 20 artworks spanning the artist’s career, far more than any other UK collector.
From modern Parisian life, to horse-racing, women bathing and dressing, to ballet, Degas tirelessly tackled several fascinating topics in a way that was entirely his own. His artworks remain extremely popular today, particularly his ballet scenes, which gave him an opportunity to experiment with movement, colour, and form.
Three young dancers from the Dance School of Scotland, twirled and pirouetted during a last chance to marvel at the artworks that beautifully capture their talent in vivid pastels and oil paint.
The dancers were dressed in traditional handmade ballet costumes made in Brazil in the early 1960’s for Cecilia Barrett, for her performances in Don Quixote, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty. Cecilia danced with Rambert Ballet and was ballet Mistress with London City Ballet and from 1973 with Scottish Ballet.
Degas was a regular visitor to the ballet and enjoyed backstage access for a time. From the early 1870s, he started depicting scenes of the dancers, the strain dancing placed on their bodies, and moments of relaxation behind the scenes.
Pixie Howitt aged 11, Jada-Jo Branney and Darcey McKechnie, both aged 12, provided inspiration for budding artist Sarah Wilson, who is also a Learning Assistant at Glasgow Museums, who seized a rare opportunity to follow in one of her favourite painter’s footsteps and sketch some of the ballet poses portrayed in Degas’ work.
Frances Fowle, Professor of Nineteenth-Century Art, University of Edinburgh, and Senior Trustee of the Burrell Collection collaborated with Glasgow Life Museums to curate the exhibition.
Professor Frances Fowle, Senior Trustee, Sir William Burrell Trust, said: “We are delighted that the exhibition has attracted both national and international audiences. Among the greatest revelations of the show is the modernity and experimental nature of Degas’s work. It makes one appreciate the aesthetic sensibility and entrepreneurial spirit of pioneer collectors such as Sir William Burrell.”
Discovering Degas: Collecting in the Time of William Burrell runs until Monday 30 September 2024. Tickets are available at burrellcollection.com, priced £13.50/ £11/ £7/ £5 / under 12 free.
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.
Pavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.
READ MOREFor one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.
READ MOREOriginal cast member of Midsomer Murders, Daniel Casey, joins new stage adaptation making its Scottish premiere at the Theatre Royal Glasgow in February.
READ MORESee the bestselling DSI Roy Grace book by Peter James on stage for the first time at Glasgow's Theatre Royal from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th June.
READ MORECelebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.
READ MOREThis June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.
READ MORENominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.
READ MOREThe Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.
READ MORENewly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!
READ MORERoll up your sleeves and get stuck in as Cheez-It® and Fat Hippo announce the ultimate collaboration.
READ MORETo celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.
READ MOREPavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!
READ MORELychee Oriental, Glasgow's modern Cantonese restaurant, will launch its second location in the city's Southside tomorrow.
READ MOREThe Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.
READ MORECalling all bookworms and their four-legged friends... this could be the ulti-mutt afternoon you've been waiting for!
READ MOREGlasgow children are getting behind their city’s 850th birthday celebrations as a week-long Glasgow 850 Schools' Festival gets underway at primary schools across the city.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.
READ MORELoch Lomond Shores is hosting a continental market on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of May!
READ MOREScotland's biggest night of traditional music Hoolie in the Hydro will celebrate Glasgow comedy and folk music legend Sir Billy Connolly in larger-than-life style later this year!
READ MOREDue to high demand, an extra Bookface Sip & Swap event with Lisa Jewell will take place on Tuesday 8th July at Saints of Ingram, Glasgow, from 12.30–3.30pm.
READ MOREGlasgow Kiltwalk 2025 attracted so many kind-hearted walkers this weekend that organisers had to add an extra day to create the world's biggest ever Kiltwalk!
READ MOREAward-winning dance company Barrowland Ballet present world premiere of Wee Man and the revival of Chunky Jewellery, ahead of Edinburgh Festival Fringe transfers this year.
READ MOREThe epic Ashton Lane Summer Street Party is back for West End Fest 2025, taking over the cobbled lane for a full weekend of live music, street performers, DJs, street food and alfresco drinks!
READ MORELaugh in the Park, Glasgow Southside's annual comedy festival, has announced their line up featuring nine of the absolute best performers to be found in Scotland!
READ MORECocktail Festival will serve customers £5 cocktails highlighting signature cocktails including the classics we all love, from Margaritas to Daiquiris!
READ MORECasting announced for the critically acclaimed production of Fawlty Towers - The Play, coming to Glasgow's King's Theatre in January!
READ MOREBluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.
READ MORELomond Leisure Group is delighted to announce the opening of Kirk O'The Lochs, a distinctive restaurant and bar nestled in a beautifully restored historic church in Tarbet, Loch Lomond.
READ MOREThe King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to announce the full 2025 cast for the UK tour of the critically acclaimed, smash hit, supernatural thriller 2:22 - A Ghost Story.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.
READ MORE