Nine works by eminent Scottish artist Alasdair Gray go on display in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Nine works from the significant collection will be on show for the first time, in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, from Saturday 14th June.

Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 13 June 2025 8:16

Image: Poor Things (1992) by Alasdair Gray. Glasgow Life Museums’ collection. © The Estate of Alasdair Gray

Alasdair Gray generously gifted The Morag McAlpine Bequest to Glasgow Life Museums following the death of his wife Morag McAlpine in 2014. Nine works from this significant collection will be on show for the first time, in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, from Saturday 14 June.

Alasdair Gray: Works from The Morag McAlpine Bequest celebrates 10 years since this treasured gift was donated to the city that meant so much to the legendary artist. Exhibited in the Fragile Art Gallery, the new display opens in what would have been Gray’s 90th year, in the very place where he credited a weekend art class with sparking his early love of painting.

Works on display include the original design artwork for Poor Things – his novel published in 1992, the wrap-around jacket for Old Negatives, artwork in progress for the jacket design of Agnes Owens' People Like That, and A Working Mother, among others.

This display offers insight into key aspects of Gray’s artistic practice, tracing the creation of artwork for publications from inception to print and explores how he reused imagery, and reimagined the influence of historical artworks in his own distinctive style.

It also highlights Gray's innovative and resourceful approach, including his willingness to use whatever was close at hand, such as Tippex® and sticky labels, to make instant changes to his work, a process that echoes the idea of erratum, where errors or alterations become a meaningful part of the creative act.

Katie Bruce, Producer Curator with Glasgow Life, said: “Alasdair Gray showed great generosity when he gifted The Morag McAlpine Bequest to the city, following the passing of his wife. These personal gifts for anniversaries, birthdays, and Christmas, include portraits later transformed into characters in his work and framed drawings for book covers and dust jackets, both for his own publications and those of fellow writers. Among them is the original cover design for Poor Things, which many will now recognise from the recent film adaptation.

“It is fitting and wonderful to display this collection in a place that meant so much to Gray, and to offer audiences a deeper understanding of his innovative practice and extraordinary talent.”

Visitors to Kelvingrove Museum can also see Cowcaddens Streetscape in the Fifties, which shows life in an area of Glasgow where the landscape and community radically changed post-war. Painted in 1964, it is one of Gray’s best-known works and what he referred to as “my best big oil painting”. It represents a significant example of his painting within the decade following his graduation from the renowned Glasgow School of Art in 1957.

Alasdair Gray (28 December 1934 – 29 December 2019) was one of Scotland’s most multi-talented artists. Born in Riddrie, in the east of Glasgow, he was also a prolific poet, playwright, novelist, painter, and printmaker whose work continues to be celebrated in books, exhibitions, conferences, and the annual Gray Day (25 February).

The Morag McAlpine Bequest enriches the Alasdair Gray collection held by Glasgow Life Museums, which includes the City Recorder series (1977–78), some of which can be viewed at the Gallery of Modern Art.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Scottish secondary schools can fundraise to feed hungry children

Secondary schools across Scotland can fundraise to feed an entire school of hungry children by signing up for a charity's life-changing Feed A School initiative.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games unveils the uniform of legends

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has today unveiled its official volunteer uniform to thousands of dedicated volunteers when the Games return to Glasgow from 23rd July to 2nd August.

Caring Scotland Project launches at National Library Scotland, Kelvin Hall

A major project, Caring Scotland, has been launched, documenting the lives of care experienced people in Scotland.

WestFest announces full programme for 2026 festival

Glasgow's biggest community-led cultural festival has announced its full programme for 2026!

STING named official boxing equipment provider for Glasgow 2026

STING, a global leader in manufacturing and supplying premium boxing kit and equipment, has been announced as an Official Provider Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

FREE Event: Discover super powered plants at Dobbies Little Seedlings Club

Dobbies' free-to-attend children's gardening workshop is here for the month of May, giving children the chance to discover the 'Power of Plants'.

Prehistoric village discovered in Glasgow by community volunteers and schoolchildren

A community archaeology project has uncovered the remains of a prehistoric settlement beside Crookston Castle, pushing the known history of the site back by thousands of years.

Freddie Fox and Julian Ovenden will star alongside Helen George when High Society comes to the Kings Theatre

An exciting line-up of stars from both stage and screen are set to join the cast of High Society led by Helen George as Tracy Lord when it comes to The King's Theatre Glasgow in September!

Great British Menu winner returns to Glasgow for exclusive event

Birds Fried Chicken heads to West Side Tavern this May Day bank holiday weekend for a one-day-only takeover!

Glasgow mum reveals how football fitness class boosted physical and mental health after giving birth

A Glasgow mum has shared how a football fitness programme from the SPFL Trust helped improve her physical and mental health after the birth of her baby.

Emirates Arena to become Glasgow International Arena

Emirates Arena is being renamed the Glasgow International Arena, with work now underway.

Snap up free tickets to The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Glasgow or Edinburgh

The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, Scotland's only dedicated consumer exhibition for self-builders, home renovators and improvers, is back and we have free tickets up for grabs!

100 days to go to Glasgow 2026

With 100 days to go until Glasgow 2026 gets underway just 26,000 Athletics tickets remain, with tickets for the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Tollcross Swimming Pool almost sold out.

Harviestoun Brewery pop up returns with beer, bites & mischief on tap

Award-winning Scottish brewer Harviestoun, at the foot of the Ochils, is throwing open its brewery doors for a lively pop-up taproom event on Friday 24th April.

Legacy store Clintons unveils major upgrade at Silverburn

Silverburn, one of Scotland’s leading retail and leisure destinations has unveiled a major upgrade to one of its longest-standing stores, as Clintons opens its new concept store.

Glasgow invited to experience Gaelic culture until Royal National Mod return

With six months to go until the Royal National Mòd returns to Glasgow, local organisers have announced a string of events to get audiences in the festival spirit.

The Overtones to Star in New Song and Dance Spectacular Jukebox Idols

The Overtones will tour the UK this coming June alongside Louis Smith and Nadiya Bychkova in the brand new song and dance spectacular JUKEBOX IDOLS coming to the Pavilion Theatre Glasgow.

Zizza launches midweek deal

Zizzi is making midweek dining even more of a treat with a brand-new sharing deal of Two for £25, available for groups of two, four or six.

Spring clean shoes to protect heritage, urges National Trust for Scotland

With warmer days on the way, visitors to gardens at National Trust for Scotland places are being asked to follow biosecurity measures throughout the spring and summer seasons.

Fan favourites return to Vue venues in Scotland this spring

Vue is bringing a roster of much-loved film favourites back to the big screen this spring as part of a special anniversary season celebrating some of Hollywood’s most iconic titles.

Buchanan Galleries unveils behind the scenes look at the Scottie Dog Art Trail

Buchanan Galleries is giving guests an exclusive first glimpse behind the scenes of the upcoming Scotties in the City art trail, as a dedicated artist studio opens within the centre.

Glasgow 2026 and JUBEL raise a pint to official Games partnership

JUBEL Beer, a refreshing beer cut with fruit, has been unveiled as the Official Beer Partner of Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Aldi calls on shoppers across Scotland to donate pet food in stores this National Pet Month

Aldi is encouraging shoppers in Scotland to donate pet food at its in-store community donation points this April to mark National Pet Month.

Specsavers Glasgow Fort invites young artists to Hop Into Creativity this Easter

An opticians in Glasgow Fort is calling on the city's creative youngsters to showcase their artistic talent in a brand-new Easter-drawing competition.

House for an Art Lover celebrates 30th anniversary year

House for an Art Lover will open their 30th anniversary year with landmark dinner from the team at two Michelin starred Restaurant Andrew Fairlie.

McCoist and MacAulay announce special guests for their upcoming live show

Ally McCoist and Fred MacAulay have announced a star-studded line-up of special guests due to join them at their World Cup preview show at the SEC Armadillo!

From Katsu to Korean Fried Chicken: Five March launches weekly burger night

Glasgow West End favourite Five March is shaking up Thursday nights with the launch of a brand-new Burger Night, running every Thursday from 5pm to 9pm from April 9th!

Competition entry countdown for Royal National Mod

The countdown is on for Gaelic singers, instrumentalists, emerging bands, choral groups, drama enthusiasts, storytellers, artists and poets hoping to compete at this year's Royal National Mòd!

Taste the movie in 4DX with new Super Mario themed popcorn upgrade at Cineworld

Cineworld is inviting audiences to power up their cinema visit like never before, with the launch of a limited-edition Galactic popcorn topper created to complement the full sensory immersion of 4DX.