Art Lovers Tours
Scotland has always had a great tradition of inspiring art, both through the artists it has generated and the philanthropists who have chosen to house their collections in the Central Belt. With some of the most inspiring collections located within an hour of Craigend (30 minutes to Glasgow and an hour to Edinburgh) any art lover is bound to be spoilt for choice. Here are some of our suggestions, but there are far too many to list here!
House for an Art lover - Kitkintilloch, Glasgow - a truly unique venue designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh for a competition in 1901. Whilst disqualified on the grounds of late submission, the designs were awarded a special prize for their 'pronounced personal quality, their novel and austere form and the uniform configuration of interior and exterior'. Adjacent to Craigie Hall which contains the Mackintosh interiors and with a link to the Glasgow School of Art a visit here is a must for Mackintosh enthusiats. For more information visit the website The House for an Artlover
The Burrell Collection - Pollock County Park, Glasgow - Sir William Burrell and his wife gifted over 9,000 works of art to Glasgow in 1944. The Burrell was purpose built to house this enormous collection and opened in 1983. The collection includes medieval art, tapestries, alabasters, stained glass and English Oak furniture. There are important works by Degas and Cezanne and sculpture by Epstein and Rodin. You will rarely see such a vast collection of wide and varied works of art in one place. Website The Burrell Collection
Gallery of Modern Art - Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow - This is the second most visited contemporary art gallery outside of London and displays work by local and International artists. There are also exhibitions throughout the year. Website Gallery of Modern Art
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum - Kelvingrove, Glasgow - Following a £27.9million restoration in 2003, Kelvingrove has become one of the most popular places to visit with its mix of Art, Natural History, Prehistoric Animals and even a restored Spitfire. Works by (among others) Botticelli, Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso. This really is a 21st Century musem in a beautifully restored Edwardian building. Website Kelvingrove
Drumlanrig Castle - Thornhill, Dunfries and Galloway - Only half an hour from Craigend, Drumlanrig is home to the Buccleuch Art Collection featuring Rembrandt's The Old Woman Reading as well as other fine paintings, tapestries and objects d'art. The setting is picturesque and the house itself is beautiful and well worth a visit on it's own. Website Drumlanrig
The National Gallery of Scotland - Housed in 5 Galleries accross Edinburgh - This collection of Scottish and International art is one of the best in the world and one of the top free visitor attractions in Scotland. The five galleries are split into different categories ranging from Modern Art to Fine Art and regularly feature International Exhibitions of rarely seen works. Within this complex you can indulge in all your favourite genres. Website National Galleries of Scotland