A Fascination with Chinese Ceramics – The Unexpected Collection of Sir William Burrell (1861-1958)
The art collection which Sir William and Lady Burrell gave to the City of Glasgow in 1944 is most famous internationally for its European mediaeval art – particularly its exceptional stained glass and tapestries. What is less well known, is that numerically Chinese ceramics make up the largest section of the collection. Sir William was perhaps an unexpected collector of Chinese art. His ceramics range in date from the Neolithic period to the Qing dynasty, but the collection is interesting both for what is included and what is not. The lecture will examine the context and content of this collection of Chinese ceramics, prior to its redisplay in the refurbished building next year.
This lecture is kindly hosted by Christie’s London and will be live-streamed and recorded.
Refreshments will be available from 16:30 and the lecture will commence at 17:00.
The capacity for the in-person event has now been reached. Click here to register for the virtual lecture on Zoom.
Speaker
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Rosemary Scott
Rosemary Scott originally joined the Burrell Collection as assistant keeper responsible for Asian art, but became deputy keeper of the whole Collection a year later – working with colleagues towards the first opening of the Collection to the public in 1983. Thereafter she took up the post of curator of the Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art; head of the Museums Department at SOAS, and later international academic director of Asian art at Christie’s. She is now an independent scholar undertaking research, teaching and publication with particular emphasis on Chinese ceramics.
