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The Hunterian announces a substantial gift of paintings from the John Shaw Collection

The Hunterian at the University of Glasgow is delighted to announce a substantial gift of 18th- and 19th-century
paintings by some of Scotland’s most significant historical artists, enriching our nationally Recognised art collection.

Ten works from the John Shaw Collection have been generously donated by Dr
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw in memory of her late husband John Shaw, a distinguished
graduate of the University of Glasgow (MA 1970).

The collection includes notable paintings by leading figures such as Allan Ramsay
and Henry Raeburn, offering meaningful connections to the University’s teaching
and research, the history of The Hunterian and its collections, and wider
opportunities for public engagement.

Among the highlights is a striking and unusual portrait by Henry Raeburn, dated
circa 1815, of an unknown young Indian woman.

“Though her identity remains unknown, it is compelling to consider she may have
been of Anglo-Indian heritage and may have been present in Scotland during a
time when Raeburn was primarily painting male figures of the Scottish
Enlightenment,” explains Dr Lola Sanchez-Jauregui Alpanes, Art Curator at The
Hunterian.”This work opens up conversations about the complex social, cultural, political, and
economic ties between Britain and Asia during that period, as well as new aspects
of Raeburn’s female portraiture.”

Also included in the gift is a portrait of an unnamed woman by George Henry, an
influential member of the Glasgow School, marking the twelfth of his works in The
Hunterian collection.

“The painting reflects his interest in the interplay between figure, fashion and
intricately composed backgrounds. A decorative bust-length work, it reveals the
lasting impact of Henry’s transformative trip to Japan in 1892,” adds Anne Dulau,
Curator of French and British Art at The Hunterian.

Other works in the growing collection of 1890s works by Henry include Japanese Pottery Seller, Japanese Beauty andGirl with Red Hair.”

John Shaw and Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

John Shaw, who came from a middle-class Glasgow background, went on to build
an international career with Coats, the Paisley-based thread manufacturer. A
passionate collector of Scottish art, Shaw assembled his collection, allowing him to
remain connected to his homeland wherever he was.

The gift to The Hunterian complements worldwide philanthropic investments made
by Mazumdar Shaw Philanthropy, supporting education, research, innovation and
the arts. Encouraged and joined by his wife Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, they
together donated $7.5 million towards the construction of the Advanced Research
Centre in 2004. John and Kiran’s extraordinary gift is one of the largest ever
received by the University, enabling the development of cutting-edge facilities and
research.

Professor Steph Scholten, Director of The Hunterian, said:

“The Hunterian has been at the heart of Glasgow’s cultural landscape for over 200 years and is incredibly grateful to Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw for her generosity.”

“John was not only a friend, supporter and alumnus of the University – he was a proud member of our community and a dedicated collector of Scottish art. Now, key works from his collection will continue to inspire curiosity, learning and innovation by fellow University of Glasgow students, staff, Glaswegians and many others.”

“As The Hunterian enters a new phase of transformation, we are committed to showcasing the very best of our
collections while addressing the urgencies of today’s complex world in partnership with our communities and in
continued collaboration with the Mazumdar-Shaw family.”

This section: Art & artists Glasgow West End