Aberdeen attraction also features contemporary art
IAN STALKER
Aberdeen, Scotland’s Aberdeen Art Gallery has honed the art of promoting Scottish art.
The gallery, which has artworks dating back to the 15th century, displays works by international artists but also serves as a showcase for home-grown artists, who are well worthy of recognition, says John Johnstone, business development manager for Aberdeen City Council.
“I would say there’s a wealth of landscape portraits of Scotland,” Johnstone states.
Johnstone adds that the gallery “holds one of the largest collections of contemporary art in Britain,” with the arts venue helping disprove any perception that some who have yet to visit Scotland might have that Scotland is simply “tartans and Highlands.”
The gallery, which has been enlarged over the years, is now displaying works by French artist Louise Bourgeois.
Gallery officials add that the attraction also offers “panoramic views of the city skyline from the rooftop terrace.”
The gallery can also rent space and have curators speak to visiting groups.
Another city highlight is the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, which details the “city’s long and often dramatic relationship with the sea,” using the likes of objects and artworks associated with shipbuilding, dishing, whaling, trading and offshore oil. Artifacts include models of Aberdeen-built ships, among them clippers and “one of the first modern warships in the Japanese navy.”
Johnstone says Aberdeen has earned a place on Scottish tourism circuits, noting a new harbour is welcoming cruise ships.
Johnstone’s colleague Hazel Hunter says those who vacation in Scotland and bypass Aberdeen are “missing out,” among other things reporting the area has “amazing beaches,” with visitors able to spot dolphins and other marine life.
Also to be found in the area are “lovely old fishing communities…You kind of have a bit of everything here.”
The region provides great nighttime views of starry skies, Hunter continues, while nature enthusiasts can go on guided tours that can showcase the likes of seabirds, while another nighttime excursion focuses on bats and moths.
“It’s not for everyone,” Hunter concedes of the latter.
