A-list award for Burrell building in its 30th year

Published on 02/02/2013 00:00

THE home of Glasgow’s famous Burrell Collection has been awarded A-Listed status as one of the finest examples of 1970s architectural design in Scotland.

The four-storey building,
nestled in woodland at the edge of Pollok Country Park, houses the vast collection of paintings, sculptures and decorative art and antiquities amassed by the shipping magnate and philan­thropist Sir William Burrell.

The winner of a design competition, it was opened by the Queen in 1983 and attracts 200,000 visitors a year.

Historic Scotland’s A-listing is the highest level of recognition for buildings and is reserved for those of national or inter­national importance.

The building, run by Glasgow Life on behalf of Glasgow City Council is seen as a rare and
significant post-war commission for a museum building in Scotland and is an influential example of a large public architectural commission in the UK.

Culture and external affairs secretary, Fiona Hyslop said: “The A-listing for the Burrell Collection is a fitting tribute,
especially in this its 30th year, and recognises the significant contribution it has made to
Glasgow’s landscape.

“This is a fantastic building that not only houses the internationally renowned collection of art and antiquities from across the world, but is itself a masterpiece of structural design.”