Unique university art collection celebrates National Significance status

A unique art collection which is embedded into University of Stirling daily life, is celebrating a prestigious award.

The University of Stirling’s internationally acclaimed Art Collection was recently named a Collection of National Significance by Museums Galleries Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, for its more than 800 paintings, prints and sculptures and other artworks.

On Friday (3 July), a gathering celebrating the prestigious accolade was held in the University’s iconic mid-century Pathfoot building, where much of the Collection is on display. Attendees included members of the arts and museum sectors, artists, senior university staff, and Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane.

National Significance status recognises the importance of a collection beyond those held in a national gallery or museum. Art, and the belief that it should be accessible to all, has been a cornerstone of the University of Stirling since it opened its doors in 1967.

L-R: Jennifer Harrison (Executive Director, Communications, Marketing and Recruitment, University of Stirling), Chanté St Clair Inglis (Chair of the Recognition Committee, Museums Galleries Scotland), Sarah Bromage (Head of University Collections, University of Stirling), Emma McCombie (Deputy Head of University Collections, University of Stirling), Jacob O'Sullivan (Museum Development Manager - Collections and Interpretation, Museums Galleries Scotland), Keith Brown MSP.

(credit: Julie Howden) 

University of Stirling

Speaking at the event, Sarah Bromage, Head of Collections at the University of Stirling, said: “We are thrilled to be recognised in this way by Museums Galleries Scotland. We believe the University of Stirling is a unique place to study, work and visit. It is an honour to be able to make art and culture a part of everyday life here, enabling exchanges between art, research and teaching through an active programme of exhibitions and events.”

Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, said: "I was delighted to join the University in celebrating this well-deserved recognition. As both the local MSP and a member of the Scottish Parliament's Culture Committee, I know the enormous contribution that culture makes to education, wellbeing, and community life.

“What makes the University of Stirling's Art Collection so special is that it has never been simply about acquiring great works of art. Since the University's foundation, there has been a clear commitment to making culture part of everyday life – enriching learning, inspiring curiosity and welcoming the wider community onto the campus.

“This Collection of National Significance award recognises not only the outstanding quality of the Collection itself, but the University's long-standing vision that art should be accessible to everyone. It is a tremendous achievement for the University, for the dedicated Collections team, and for the wider Stirling and Clackmannanshire community, who can rightly take pride in having one of Scotland's nationally significant collections on their doorstep."  

A popular feature for staff, students and the public, the Art Collection was praised during a visit last year by First Minister John Swinney.

The Art Collection has grown through purchases and donations of paintings, sculptures and prints. Notably, among them are 14 works by Scottish Colourist J.D. Fergusson, which were gifted to the University by the artist’s lifelong partner Margaret Morris in 1968. Scottish contemporary artworks include additions by David Shrigley, Ken Currie, Christine Borland and Alison Watt.

Sarah Bromage (Head of University Collections, University of Stirling) receives recognition plaque from Chanté St Clair Inglis (Chair of the Recognition Committee. 

(credit: Julie Howden) 

University of Stirling

The team behind the Art Collection holds regular exhibitions, workshops and tours, works with students on art-related projects, and runs an Artist in Residence programme, all of which are designed to incorporate and reflect the University of Stirling’s pioneering research.

The gallery is open to the public from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, in the Pathfoot Building.  Further information about the Collection can be found at www.artcol.stir.ac.uk