This week, we take you on a tour of the Hunterian, a treasure trove of history and art nestled within the University of Glasgow. So, join us as we step back in time and embark on an immersive journey through the ages!
There are two separate buildings that are part of the Hunterian- the Hunterian Museum and the Hunterian Art Gallery. We will start with the Hunterian Museum.
The Hunterian Museum
Founded in 1807, the Hunterian is the oldest public museum in Scotland. It owes its existence to the remarkable 18th-century physician and anatomist, William Hunter. Hunter’s collection, rich with anatomical specimens, art, and antiquities, forms the bedrock of this cultural gem.
In 1863, the Glasgow Union Railway Company wanted the land where the original Hunterian Museum was located, and the beautiful neoclassical building was torn down along with the Old College which had been home to the University for over 400 years. For me, this begs the question- what the heck were they thinking?! Nevertheless, the Hunterian collection was transferred to its current location in 1870. Looking at the model of the original building below really helps to give an idea of just how magnificent it was.
While the current Museum building might not be as grand, it still inspires with its Victorian charm.
One of the most impressive rooms in the Hunterian Museum is dedicated to Roman artefacts and architecture.
While Hadrian’s Wall in England is well-known, many people don’t realise that the Roman Empire extended further north into Scotland with the Antonine Wall. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to hold a piece of the Roman Empire in your hands? Well, that’s exactly what happened with some Scottish farmers in the 1700s (and later) who discovered pieces of Roman architecture and artefacts on their farms. Some of those objects are on display at the Hunterian.
As you traverse the Hunterian’s grand corridors, you’re not just a visitor—you’re a time traveler. The museum doesn’t just display objects; it breathes life into history, inviting you to connect with the past on a deeply personal level. Whether it’s the gleam of a 17th-century surgical instrument or the intricate work of an ancient Egyptian wooden coffin, every piece beckons you to pause and reflect, bridging the gap between then and now.
Speaking of reflection, one of the aspects that I especially admire at the Hunterian is that it creates a space for visitors to face some of the more challenging topics related to museums in their exhibition, ‘Curating Discomfort’.
Some of the key issues the exhibition addresses are connected to colonisation and museum collections. For example, they highlight that there are many artefacts that were taken without permission by the British from the various countries they colonised, yet they are on display in Scotland and many other museums around the world. They crucially point out that many of these artefacts were/are deemed sacred by Aboriginal people and they “should not be displayed without permission from the ancestors of these communities.” Therefore, I believe that it isn’t that we can’t have museums, but we must acknowledge the wrongs of the past, correct when appropriate, and figure out a better way to move forward.
As we contemplate these important topics, let’s move on and make our way to the Hunterian Art Gallery.
The Hunterian Art Gallery
The star of the Hunterian Art Gallery is the Mackintosh House. However, that superb masterpiece deserves an entire post of its own, and we will be writing about it soon. For now, let’s take a meander through the main art gallery.
The works of art on display in the art gallery are eclectic and span the centuries. There are exquisite portrait paintings by the celebrated American painter, James Abbott McNeil Whistler, as well as abstract paintings including John Hoyland’s, 18-6-69, among so much more.
Be sure not to miss the Sculpture Courtyard that includes a ‘Latern and Finial’ (c.1900) by Charles Rennie Mackintosh that was saved from a city centre department store that was demolished in 1973 (we’re not sure why the plywood was surrounding it- perhaps it was under restoration).
One of my favourite sections of the Hunterian Art Gallery was the ‘Trembling Museum’. The Hunterian Art Gallery explains that it “shows African art objects from The Hunterian collection in a new context. Taking them out of the ‘ethnography’ section of our museum store, and displaying them alongside contemporary artworks in the art gallery. The Trembling Museum asks questions about how African art has been classified in Western institutions, and how it can be understood differently”. Here are some of the incredible works that are on display:
Well, while it has been a pleasure to bring you on a tour of The Hunterian, our journey has come to an end. However, this wee exploration has barely scratched the surface of all you can see and learn at this iconic institution. Therefore, the next time you find yourself in Glasgow, why not take a detour from the usual tourist trail and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history at the Hunterian? Whether you're an art aficionado, a history buff, or simply a curious soul, there's something here to ignite your imagination and leave you with a profound sense of connection to the past. Be sure to visit the Hunterian website for more information on how to best plan your visit.
Until next time- Explore & Discover!
