Christine Borland has embarked upon the first phase of a major research-led art commission relating to Glasgow Museums’ World War 1 collection. The internationally renowned Scottish artist began her residency at Glasgow Museums Resource Centre, to inform the development of a permanent new artwork reflecting on the First World War.
The commission, part of a wider five year programme of First World War centenary commemorations, brought the artist to Glasgow Museums’ store, where Borland will spend regular periods during the first year of the commission. Based in Glasgow Museums Resource Centre research room, the artist will have full access to the city’s collection and be assisted by historical and art curators, together with the learning and access team. An intensive studio-production period will follow, with the final work expected to be installed in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in October 2018.
“I am thrilled to begin this period of research in Glasgow Museum’s amazing collection as the basis for developing a permanent work reflecting on the centenary of the First World War. Searching the databases to identify objects whose descriptions appeal to me and then accessing them in the vast stores at GMRC stores is thrilling. Following up the stories and context around the objects is the starting point for developing the commission so it is just as exciting to begin to meet with members of Glasgow Museum’s curatorial, access and learning teams who have such close relationship to the objects in their care and whose passion can help bring them alive in my imagination.”
Christine Borland
The project has been co-commissioned with 14-18 NOW and made possible through the generous support of the Art Fund.
