100 days and counting for the re-opening of the redeveloped Aberdeen Art Gallery
25 July 2019
The 100-day countdown to the much-anticipated re-opening of Aberdeen Art Gallery on Saturday 2 November got underway today (Thursday 25 July).
The latest milestone in the landmark redevelopment of the city’s flagship cultural venue was marked with a visit from Aberdeen City Council’s Co-Leaders, Councillors Jenny Laing and Cllr Douglas Lumsden along with Gill Summers, Chair of the Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums Development Trust.
The Co-Leaders saw at first hand to see in situ some of the artworks from the collection showcasing the breadth and depth of the treasures in the revitalised Art Gallery.
Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums staff are currently busy hanging artworks with the final number of works on display increasing from 300 when the Gallery closed for refurbishment to over 1000 when the building re-opens in November.
They will be showcased in stunning themed galleries which take a fresh approach to interpretation, including digital interactives and personal playlists inspired by the Nationally Recognised collections. The number of galleries in which the permanent collections will be displayed is increasing from 11 to 18.
Councillor Laing said: “Aberdeen Art Gallery has undergone a once-in-a-lifetime transformation. In just 100 days it will re-take its place as the city’s most inspiring, accessible and welcoming public building, there for all to enjoy, for generations to come.”
Councillor Lumsden said: “There is a real sense of anticipation and excitement around the Gallery and across the city now that the re-opening gets ever closer. I’m sure the sense of excitement will only increase when the Gallery opens its doors and visitors from near and far see for themselves what an amazing arts space we have here in Aberdeen”.
Aberdeen Art Gallery was founded in 1885, largely thanks to the civic mindedness and generosity of the businessmen, artists and collectors who were its first Patrons. The public is being urged to following in their footsteps and be part of an exciting new chapter in the Art Gallery’s story by supporting the fundraising appeal.
As part of the 100-day countdown Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums Development Trust aim to recruit more people to join the Art Gallery’s exclusive group of Founder Patrons and join funding supporters such as BP and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. By supporting the landmark redevelopment project with a donation of £2,500 or more, Founder Patrons will receive prominent recognition in the stunning new Art Gallery interior, and invitations to special events, including the re-opening celebrations.
This is a limited opportunity to support the Art Gallery redevelopment with the Founder Patron scheme closing in December 2020.
The Art Gallery’s newest Founder Patron, Joe Whimster, who sadly lost both of his parents last year said: “I’d been looking to make a donation to something that would have been significant to them. I saw the advert for Founder Patrons on the banner outside the Art Gallery and took it from there. My mum, myself and my wife worked in the Gallery a fair bit over the years as my mum, Alison, was involved with Aberdeen Artists Society.
“For me, the donation is partly in memory of my mum, but also a bit of payback for all the great experiences we have had in the Art Gallery over the years - especially when money was a lot tighter and we really appreciated access to a great space and great art at no cost.”
Photographs show: 100 and counting - Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums Development Trust Chair, Gill Summers with Aberdeen City Council Co Leaders, Douglas Lumsden and Jenny Laing