A brief history of Glasgow’s art ecosystem
Located on the banks of the River Clyde in west central Scotland, Glasgow is one of the country’s most popular cities, and it has a rich and distinctive history that boasts Glasgow’s art ecosystem. From the late 19th century onwards, Glasgow established art institutions like the Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts (RGI) and the Glasgow School of Art. The period also saw the rise of the Glasgow Boys, a group of young painters and designers that represented the beginnings of modernism in Scottish paintings. The group’s key members were James Guthrie, John Lavery, Joseph Crawhall, Edward Arthur Walton, James Paterson, Arthur Melville, George Henry, and E. A. Hornel. Their works often depicted contemporary Art that gained international recognition.
The early 20th century witnessed the influence of the British Art Nouveau style, i.e., the Modern style of famous Glasgow-born artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Mackintosh, who says, “Art is the flower…Life the green leaf,” has distinctive designs, furniture, stained glass windows, decorative arts, etc., collectively known as the “Glasgow Style,” a modern design aesthetic.
Glasgow’s art ecosystem has deep roots, with the Glasgow School of Art (GSA) playing a pivotal role since its establishment in 1845. It is one of the UK’s few remaining independent art schools, with a marked history of producing the world’s most influential and successful artists and designers, including the Scottish artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The school was established and focused on training its students to draw well and create marketable designs.
As the painter Edward Hopper noted, “If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint.” and Glasgow’s past and present artists have documented and interpreted their time, leaving a rich artistic legacy for future generations. Just as Glasgow’s vibrant scene provides a platform for artists to share their perspectives, Elisium Art also champions emerging artists from around the globe, providing them with a platform to showcase their exceptional work. Elisium Art, which specialises in museum-quality contemporary paintings, shares this commitment to supporting artists and making their work accessible to a broader audience by curating a selection of high-quality pieces from emerging countries.
Must visit museums for art lovers in Glasgow
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Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Address: Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8AG, United Kingdom
Admission: Free
One of the most popular and free visitor attractions, Kelvingrove, is managed by the Glasgow Museums. The Gallery houses Europe's significant civic art collections, including Scottish, European, African, Asian, and Oceanic decorative and fine arts. Its art highlights include works by the Scottish Colourists, the Glasgow Boys, and Salvador Dalí's Christ of St John of the Cross.
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Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA)
Address: 111 Queen St, Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AH, United Kingdom
Admission: Free (Special exhibitions may charge)
GoMA, located in the heart of Glasgow and it offers temporary art exhibitions and workshops featuring works of local and international artists. It also has an Education and Access studio. Its exhibits include works by David Hockney and Sebastião Salgado and by Scottish artists such as John Bellany and Ken Currie.
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The Burrell Collection
Address: Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Rd, Bellahouston, Glasgow G43 1AT, United Kingdom
Admission: Free
The Burrell Collection houses Sir William Burrell's and Constance, Lady Burrell's art collection. The museum also displays Burrell's and his wife's eclectic collection, which ranges from medieval tapestries and stained glass to Chinese ceramics and Impressionist paintings. In July 2023, the museum was announced as the winner of the Art Fund Museum of the Year award.
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The Hunterian
Address: University of Glasgow, 82 Hillhead St, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom
Admission: Free
The stunning The Hunterian is a complex of museums located in and run by the University of Glasgow. It is Scotland's oldest museum. This place covers the Hunterian Museum and the Hunterian Art Gallery and displays the works of James McNeill Whistler, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Explore Elisium Art’s most loved artworks in Glasgow
Feeling inspired? Looking to add a piece of Glasgow vibrant energy to your collection? Elisium Art can connect you with a global network of artists, so you can find the perfect piece to turn your home into your personal art museum!
Explore Elisium Art’s most loved artists in Glasgow
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Glasgow Art Adventure: A 2-Day Binge for Art Lovers (and Secret Deal Hunters!)
Glasgow, a city steeped in industrial history and artistic innovation, offers a rich experience for art lovers. These two-day itinerary balances iconic museums with contemporary galleries and hidden gems, catering to both seasoned collectors and those simply seeking inspiration.
Day 1: Masters and Modern Marvels
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Morning
Begin your fabulous first day in Glasgow by travelling to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, designed by Sir John W. Simpson and E.J. Milner AllenIts in a Spanish Baroque style. Its collections include the natural history, arms, armours, and art from many art movements, periods, and works of European artists like Dutch impressionist Van Gogh and French impressionists Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Camille Pissarro. This place’s entry fee is free, making it a budget-friendly visitor attraction.
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Afternoon
Then, in the afternoon, head to the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) to immerse yourself in contemporary Art. The museum’s collection has a wide range of contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, digital Art, and more. The Gallery’s collection also boasts the works of Turner Prize and Beck’s Futures Prize winners, including Grayson Perry, Simon Starling, Douglas Gordon, Roderick Buchanan, and Toby Paterson.
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Mid-Afternoon
Make your mid-afternoon radiant by visiting the Glasgow Cathedral. This magnificent oldest cathedral is dedicated to Saint Mungo, the patron saint of Glasgow, whose tomb lies at the centre of the building’s Lower Chruch. From nearby, you can get a splendid glimpse and feel of Gothic architecture. So, don’t miss out on this chance to visit this incredible Cathedral in Glasgow.
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Evening
A walk to the market in a new city is definitely a chill feeling filled with anticipation, excitement, and thrill. This vibrant area called Merchant City has a lot to offer its visitors, from independent shops and restaurants to bars. The Merchant City is well known for hosting its annual festival that includes street art, visual art, film, dance, live music, fashion, markets, and more. Also, look for smaller galleries or pop-up exhibitions.
Day 2: Mackintosh and Hidden Gems
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Morning
How about you dedicate your day 2 morning to Charles Rennie Mackintosh? The Scottish water colourist and painter. Visit the Mackintosh House; the house is Mackintosh’s only surviving place, the domestic interior in Glasgow. The house features meticulously reconstructed principal interiors from the Glasgow home of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife Margaret, the interiors inside the house have also been furnished with Mackintosh’s own furniture and designs. Also, visit other buildings created by Mackintosh, like the Glasgow School of Art.
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Afternoon
Visiting another art gallery in the mid-afternoon is a fantastic decision. Visit The Hunterian, a museum complex that includes the Hunterian Museum, the Hunterian Art Gallery, the Mackintosh House, the Zoology Museum, and the Anatomy Museum, located in various buildings on the main campus of the University of Glasgow in the West End.
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Mid-Afternoon
And now how about exploring a cool neighbourhood? A must-visit place famous for its top attractions, delicious food, and quirky lane, the West End of Glasgow has the most bohemian vibes to offer you. This amazing place is home to the stunning Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA), independent shops, vintage shops, and cafes.
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Evening
Check out the vibrant music and arts scene in the Finnieston area. This amazing place has many art spaces including galleries, public art and studios. Many pubs and venues host live music and sometimes feature local artists’ work on display.
Tips To Improve Your Experience
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Bonus Tip
Glasgow’s creative spirit is ever-present, with new art exhibitions, openings, and events constantly emerging. To stay connected, subscribe to newsletters from Glasgow’s major museums and galleries. For more experience, look out to attending artist talk, workshop, or even a life drawing class – many are offered throughout the city, providing a deeper understanding of the artistic process and opportunities to connect with local creatives.
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Pro-Tip
A pro tip for navigating Glasgow efficiently and affordably is to utilise the city’s extensive bus network. Day tickets offer unlimited travel and are often more economical than individual fares, allowing you to easily hop between different areas and explore galleries and museums further afield. This also allows you to discover neighbourhoods you might otherwise miss.
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Secret Weapon
Thinking of buying art in Glasgow? Delve into the city’s vibrant independent art scene, often hidden in unexpected spaces. You might just discover a unique masterpiece and connect with the city’s edgy, creative spirit.
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Expand Your Artistic Horizons
While you’ve explored the rich artistic landscape of Glasgow, remember that the art world is vast and extends far beyond the city limits. Just like, Elisium Art specialises in connecting collectors with amazing contemporary Art from emerging artists worldwide. Our online platform offers a curated selection of museum-quality paintings, providing a seamless and personalised experience for acquiring original fine art.
