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Burrell's Bequest

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media: Arts

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Burrell's Bequest

Alvin Hall explores the controversial decision allowing the Burrell Collection to tour.

4 Extra Debut. Alvin Hall explores the controversial decision to tour William Burrell's art collection against his bequest wishes. From 2014.

In 1944, William Burrell gifted his extraordinary art collection to the City of Glasgow. 

Alvin Hall reveals the story of the shipping magnate who made a huge cultural impact, yet remains  a shadowy figure - a 'Victorian magpie' eclipsed by his collection’s splendour.

Burrell amassed the most outstanding range of Degas' works anywhere in Europe; a huge range of Chinese and Islamic Art; plus tapestries and sculptures to rival the collections of the world's top museums. But he stipulated his collection should never be loaned overseas. Debate rages over whether it should be allowed to travel worldwide to other museums and galleries.

The imposing Pollock House sits in parkland 3 miles from Glasgow. Yet Burrell insisted his collection shouldn't be located within 14 miles of the city, due to air pollution.  After he died, this view was overturned when the current site became available. A similar argument is being used in the current debate, with air travel and cutting edge techniques for the transportation of art minimising the risks.

This raises interesting legal questions - and also provides a peg to dig deeper into Burrell’s little-known life.

Financier and art collector, Alvin Hall visits the Burrell Museum, and, by tracing the journey of the objects of the collection, gains an insight into the character of an extraordinary man, who helped transform the fortunes of the city where he'd amassed his own fortune.

Producer: Caitlin Smith

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2014.

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