"I went to the museum where they had all the heads and arms from the statues that are in all the other museums." - Stephen Wright (American Actor and Writer 1955-)
My friend Lauren and I are both doing the history course at Glasgow Uni, and it turns out we both live in the same block of flats. This particular block of flats is literally a 5 minute walk from a massive art gallery and museum - and in the 5 months that we have lived here, neither of us have ventured over. In fairness to me, I have actually been to Kelvingrove Art Gallery almost 7 years ago, while Lauren who is Scottish - has never been. (However, in fairness to Lauren, she isn't from Glasgow). So, in order to better ourselves and spend a Saturday afternoon doing something useful, we decided to go on an excursion.
What a wonderful time! Kelvingrove is unlike any museum or art gallery that I have ever been too. There is a floor plan, but no actual sense in the layout. In one room you can find a suit of armour, a horse's skelton and a Spitfire from the world wars! And we loved every minute of it. As Lauren pointed out there were no stuffy guards or employees walking around making sure we didn't touch anything, in fact there were many exhibits that encouraged interaction. You could happily take your kids there without fear of them knocking over the T-Rex. An imagination would feel welcome to come alive in this place.
Rumour has it that the building was actually built backwards and that's why the back of the building is so much more grand than the front. Lauren told me today that apparently the architect gave the plans to the builder the wrong way or something so it got mixed up. Regardless, it's a beautiful spot.
Rumour has it that the building was actually built backwards and that's why the back of the building is so much more grand than the front. Lauren told me today that apparently the architect gave the plans to the builder the wrong way or something so it got mixed up. Regardless, it's a beautiful spot.
Here's the website so that you can check it out if you want. There's a cool history of it with better photos than I took. http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/venue/index.cfm?venueid=4
The front (really back of the museum)
A really strange display they have of all these different faces hanging from the ceiling, some happy, sad, laughing etc. I loved it.
I wish this was clearer so you could see all the various things (note the plane hanging from the ceiling in a room full of animals)
This was part of their display on the Arctic.
The Fisherman
This is called "Motherless" and it's absolutely heartbreaking. It's little info card said it's one of the museum's most favourite pieces. It's of a father holding his wee girl.
A fireplace done in the Charles Rennie Mackintosh design (very famous Scottish artist) 
The Spitfire
This was part of the display on sectarianism in Scotland and how it takes shape in football .
Alright kids, I'm off for now but watch this space soon for a recount of New Year's (I'm just waiting on some photos). Going to Aberdeen in the morning to watch Celtic - so excited!! In total it will take about 6 hours travelling (going there and back) for a 90 minute game.
Hail! Hail!
