The Whistler Exhibition is sponsored by Lloyds TSB Scotland.

29 May 2002 Hunterian Art Gallery University of Glasgow 'Whistler 2003' Centenary

The University of Glasgow is pleased to launch an exciting programme of events to celebrate the centenary of James McNeill Whistler and to announce that Lloyds TSB Scotland will be title sponsor of the Hunterian Art Gallery's 'Whistler 2003' programme.

Sir Graeme Davies, Principal of the University commented, 'It is highly appropriate that a leading Scottish company with a strong interest in the visual arts and in Scotland's cultural resources should be associated with these events.'

Susan Rice, Chief Executive, Lloyds TSB Scotland, said, 'Over the last year and a half, we have focussed on the visual arts through various partnerships. We have supported major exhibitions in Edinburgh and are delighted now to be moving across to Glasgow to sponsor the Hunterian's Whistler events in 2003. Scotland's galleries and their collections are impressive by any means. Our sponsorship helps bring them to more people and I'm especially delighted to be doing this in the West.'

2003 is the centenary of the death of the internationally celebrated American-born painter, James McNeill Whistler (1834 - 1903). Whistler had strong connections with Scotland and in particular with Glasgow. The University of Glasgow's Hunterian Art Gallery, home of Whistler's artistic estate, will mount a wide-ranging programme of exhibitions, events, and educational activities. These will form the centrepiece of a city-wide celebration of Whistler's art and life. The Hunterian's events will run from 21 June to 4 October 2003.

Hightlights include:

• 'Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1: Portrait of the Painter's Mother' in an exceptional gesture, Whistler's masterpiece is being lent by the Musée d'Orsay in honour of the centenary.
  
• The Hunterian's Whistler Galleries the largest public showing in the world of Whistler's work will be installed in new and upgraded displays
• Anna Matilda Whistler - A Life the first ever exhibition on the life and times of Whistler's mother will be presented, based on her previously unpublished correspondence and new archival material
• Beauty and the Butterfly - Whistler's Depictions of Women and
• Copper into Gold - Whistler and 19th Century Printmaking two special exhibitions will celebrate Whistler's achievements as a draughtsman and printer
• In addition a wide-ranging programme of Events and Activities will be presented including a V.I.P. anniversary lecture; Film festival at Gilmorehill G12; and the Whistler Collection On-Line

On-line Diary A special 'Whistler 2003' diary has been set up at http://www.whistlerfestival.co.uk/

Other University of Glasgow Events The Centre for Whistler Studies at the University of Glasgow will launch the electronic edition of Whistler's Correspondence in spring 2003 and host an International Conference in September 2003.

City-Wide Events Other venues will mark the anniversary with a range of events including

• 'Whistler in Venice' at the Burrell Collection, Glasgow
• 'Mothers and Sons' at the Collins Gallery, University of Strathclyde
• 'Whistler and the Glasgow Boys' at Ewan Mundy Fine Art

For Further Information Contact: Pamela Robertson, Senior Curator and Whistler 2003 co-ordinator, Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery tel +44 (0) 141 330 4547 email: probert@museum.gla.ac.uk http://www.hunterian.gla.ac.uk

Harriet Patton, Publicity and Events Co-ordinator, Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery tel +44 (0) 141 330 3310 email: hpatton@museum.gla.ac.uk http://www.hunterian.gla.ac.uk

More information can be found on the 'Whistler 2003' website at http://www.whistlerfestival.co.uk/

The Hunterian Art Gallery is part of the Institute of Art History, University of Glasgow