The Burrell

After a delicious breakfast of Eggs Benedict we checked out of the Mal and headed to Pollock Park. We had not seen the Burrell Collection since the upgrade of the building and Mr C had not been. #3 daughter and I last went when #1 daughter was at uni in Glasgow, over 30 years ago. The collection hadn’t found a home when I was at uni in the 1960s.

The way Burrell’s fortune was earned was somewhat skated over. I had a look at a book about him and it appears his family got wealth from shipping “cargo”. Slavery was not mentioned - but Glasgow got rich on the triangular trade. The collector sold the ships at profit during WW1. He didn’t seem to travel to collect but got all the stuff on the open market. It’s a real eclectic mix - ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman pots, Chinese vases, paintings, weapons, silver, glass, tapestries and rugs, furniture and more. There were lots of interactive things to keep children happy. We really enjoyed our visit and it appeared lots of families also did. We did like the airy feel and the way the exhibits we displayed.

We came back via the A74 then across the A69 to Newcastle to drop off the daughters. The children are still at camp till tomorrow. How I admire all those Scout leaders who volunteer and organise theses things.

Mr C has enjoyed this part of his 79+1 birthday treat. More will follow in the next couple of weeks.