23 October 2009

Celebrating 100 years since the Duncan of Jordanstone Bequest - New Exhibition

An exhibition to mark 100 years since local businessman James Duncan of Jordanstone left a bequest of £60,000 for art education in Dundee opens at the University of Dundee tomorrow (Saturday October 24th)

In the early part of the 20th century, art was taught in Dundee Technical Institute in two small classrooms - Duncan’s bequest ultimately allowed the art school to break away from the Technical Institute and establish itself on its current site on Perth Road; since then it has expanded to become one of the largest art colleges in the UK.

'The story of the bequest is far from a simple one,' explained University museum curator Matthew Jarron. 'There were many different opinions on how Duncan’s money should be spent and the art school had to fight hard to win the bequest. This exhibition explores the complex history of the college and celebrates its achievements in fighting for survival for many years before finally emerging triumphant.'

Included in the exhibition are unique documents, photographs and artworks revealing the extraordinary and fascinating history of the art college. As well as material from the museums, archive and library collections of Duncan of Jordanstone College and the University of Dundee, the exhibition includes rarely seen material on loan from the University of Abertay (formerly Dundee Technical Institute) and other institutions.

The exhibition, entitled Artistic Differences, runs until 5 December in the Lamb Gallery, University of Dundee. Admission is free. For further information, email m.h.jarron@dundee.ac.uk or call 01382 384310

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07800 581902