Granite city of culture (Aberdeen)

Roddy Martine looks at the art galleries and museums to be found in Aberdeen

Avisit to Aberdeen, the ‘Granite City' on Scotland's north east coast is always an adventure, but when it comes to exploring their heritage or simply keeping pace with popular culture, Aberdonians and visitors to Aberdeen are genuinely spoiled for choice.

Under the same umbrella of Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museum, but in different locations, there are the options of Aberdeen Art Gallery, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Provost Skene's House, and the Aberdeen Tolbooth. With a series of highly individual treasure chests, each lovingly cared for, Aberdeen has its very own unique role to play in the dispersal of knowledge.

The Aberdeen Art Gallery contains a varied collection of works of art, including outstanding examples of Modern Art, and work by the impressionists and Scottish colourists. A wide range of decorative art and Aberdeen silver is also on display. To give an idea of the range on show, major works from the Alexander Macdonald bequest include a head of Francis Bacon by Clive Barker, The Gleaner by the French artist Jules Breton, and At St Fillans by the Scottish painter Hugh Cameron.

The Gallery Coffee Shop is licensed and serves hot and cold snacks and light meals.

The Aberdeen Maritime Museum, incorporates Provost Ross's House, which was built in 1593. The permanent exhibition here tells the story of Aberdeen's long relationship with the North Sea. An award winning museum, its collection covers shipbuilding, fast sailing ships, fishing and port history, with di...

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• By : Roddy Martine
• In : Art and Antiques
• Issue : 32
• Page : 44
• Words : 625