QMD paintings being donated to the city

EVER wandered the corridors of BBC Scotland’s old HQ at Queen Margaret Drive, in Glasgow, and marvelled at the collection of mostly 1980s paintings hanging on the walls – including work by Scottish giants of the art world, such as Peter Howson and Alison Watt?

There were about 100 paintings and they are being given a new home – not in the BBC’s new Scottish HQ, at Pacific Quay, by the River Clyde, but in Glasgow’s museums and art galleries.

It follows a donation by the BBC to Glasgow City Council, to make them more publically accessible.

Says BBC Scotland Controller, Ken MacQuarrie: “The BBC has a long and successful record as a cultural patron and supporter of Scottish art.

“This approach means that more people will have access to our current collection across a number of venues. In deciding the future of our art collection, key elements were that the works should be kept together and should be enjoyed by the wider public.

“It is a great opportunity to share our investment with our audiences and it ensures the secure and long-term care of the works.”