Gallery's 'radical' re-hanging is biggest in 25 years

Published on Thursday 29 October 2009 21:06

A MASSIVE overhaul of the paintings, sculptures and installations shown in the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is to be unveiled next month.

Hundreds of works are swapping places in a wholesale change-over, the first of its kind in 25 years, staff said yesterday. The 30,000 cost was covered by a donor's legacy.

The changes will be unveiled late next month to mark the gallery's 50th anniversary and as part of the final celebrations of Homecoming Scotland.

Works by artists from the Scottish Colourist SJ Peploe to the Edinburgh sculptor Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, together with new and established international names, will be showcased in rooms themed on still life pictures, collage and Pop Art.

"It is radical. The whole gallery is being re-hung all at once. It will be familiar works, in different company, with one room after another of surprise," said Simon Groom, director of modern and contemporary art at the National Galleries of Scotland.

Some works from the gallery's collection of about 5,000 pieces have not been shown for years.

But the displays will also include new works and loans. The largest room in the gallery has been turned over to a new installation by Martin Boyce, Scotland's artist showcased at this year's Venice Biennale, titled Electric Trees and Telephone Booth Conversations.

Two rooms are devoted to the theme of colour, from Matisse to the Colourist JD Fergusson, and Roy Lichtenstein.

Another room will be based on everything white, including a Paolozzi sculpture and paintings by the British artist Ben Nicholson.

The new displays will continue to change through the year, Mr Groom said. "Rooms will change frequently as a way of getting as much of the collection on show as possible."