Undiscovered Scotland

 

Perth Art Gallery occupies a striking building on the north side of Perth city centre. Until the opening of Perth Museum in 2024, this had been home to the "Perth Museum and Art Gallery", a name still displayed on part of the exterior when we last visited. But the arrival of a dedicated museum meant that it was also possible to have a dedicated art gallery in Perth. At the same time, the world's largest collection of artwork produced by the renowned Scottish artist, John Duncan Fergusson was moved to the new art gallery from its old home in the Fergusson Gallery, which had been housed in Perth's old waterworks building. This has closed as a consquence of the relocation.

The origins of Perth Museum and Art Gallery date back to the formation of the Antiquarian Society of Perth in 1784, which two years later was renamed as the Literary and Antiquarian Society of Perth. In 1824 the Society gained a permanent home for its collections when the Marshall Monument was completed as a memorial to Thomas Hay Marshall of Glenalmond, a former Lord Provost of Perth. This became one of the oldest purpose-built museum/gallery buildings in the United Kingdom. Then, in 1881, the Perthshire Natural History Museum was built on Tay Street to provide a home for the collections of the Perthshire Society of Natural Science. (Continues below images...)

 

In 1926 a large bequest of funds and paintings was made by Perthshire resident Robert Brough. Together with another bequest by R Hay Robinson this allowed the council to plan a major extension to the Marshall Monument. An architectural competition was launched, with the winning design coming from a Perth-based firm, Smart Stewart Mitchell. Building began in 1932, and the new building allowed the collections of the Literary and Antiquarian Society of Perth and the Perthshire Society of Natural Science to be brought together for the first time. The new building was formally opened on 10 August 1935 by the Duke and Duchess of York, later to become King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

The more recent separation of the museum from the art gallery has effectively reversed this earlier process of accumulation and the result is a striking addition the Perth's collection of visitor attractions, giving the art gallery space to breathe. The entrance on the front of the building leads through to a friendly and welcoming reception area and shop, topped off by an oval glass dome. Beyond this is a central lobby that has, standing in its centre, a life size sculpture of "Paris" by John Gibson.

The gallery offers both permanant and temporary exhibitions. At the core of the permanent displays is "Modern Scots", accessed from the central lobby and showcasing the works of influential modern Scottish artists and their contributions to 20th and 21st century art. Also on permanent display is the JD Fergusson and Margaret Morris Collection. This celebrates the life and creative partnership of the Scottish Colourist, John Duncan Fergusson, and his partner Margaret Morris, the pioneering dancer.

Reached by steps from the reception area is "The Dark Room", a circular gallery that celebrates the 150 years of photography prior to the arrival of digital cameras, when photographs relied on light reacting with chemicals. Beneath the Dark Room is "Hands On Art" described as "Perth Art Gallery’s dedicated interactive space, designed for young children. It fosters exploration, play, and builds confidence in an art gallery environment." There is more, too, both on permanent and temporary display. Even the toilets have been useed to show off artistic flair.