Burrell Collection at Bonhams
December 9 2014
Picture: Burrell Collection
There was much debate last year (including here on AHN) about whether the Burrell Collection in Glasgow should be able to send its treasures out on loan, even overseas. Previously, they weren't able to, but a change in Scottish law now allows loans to be made, bringing in much needed funds while the buildings which house the collection are renovated.
The first stop for the collection is Bonhams in London, where (with free admission), you can see 50 items including the above Rembrandt self-portrait from 15th December to 9th January. I think this is a commendable initiative from Bonhams and the Burrell collection, and the works will look very fine in Bonhams' snazzy new showrooms.
While I'm on the subject of art trade loan exhibitions, pray allow me to plug one at John Mitchell Fine Paintings, which is just down the other end of Bond Street. They're having a show on depictions of Harrow School. Some of them are even for sale, if you're looking for a stocking filler for that hard-to-please Old Harrovian.
Update - a reader writes:
The Burrell has always been able to make loans within the UK: the Rembrandt was at the National’s exhibition of self-portraits a few years ago and a substantial group was shown at The Hayward in the 1970s.
What’s new is being able to loan abroad, which was not permitted under the terms of the original gift. Maybe in future, if it needs the money, the Wallace might consider breaking the will of its donor?
It is sometimes a shame that the Wallace can't lend.* That said, at least at the Wallace they go in for generous hanging, with two or even three rows of pictures, so there isn't too much of an issue of works remaining unseen in storage.
They still don't dust their frames though.
Update II - more on the Burrell items on display here in The Guardian.
* I earlier said that the Wallace can't borrow, which is wrong; it has a small exhibition room downstairs, where many fine shows can be seen.
