Stirling University Art Collection

This art collection comprises only a mere 300 works but size is not all. The quality of the examples are in several instances of world-class and comprises paintings, tapestries, sculpture and silver. The collection was begun in 1967 by the then Principal Tom Cottrell whose philosophy was that art should be part of an everyday experience. To this end, the University has continues with its collecting and exhibiting exciting and innovative work art to the public at large. After Tom Cottrell's death in 1973 a memorial tapestry 'Landscape with the Elements' was commissioned from artist John Craxton and is on permanent display in the foyer at the MacRobert Theatre.

Much of our collection was purchased in the late 1960's into the next decade and there are fine examples to be seen by Patrick Heron, Terry Frost and Graham Sutherland clearly showing that this collection is not entirely Scottish-biased. There is as one would expect, strong Scottish representation with works by John Bellany, Elizabeth Blackadder, Fionna Carlisle, David Donaldson, Joan Eardley, John Houston, William MacTaggart, David Michie, James Morrison, Alberto Morrocco and Anne Redpath. Many of these were given by the SAC. The University has a policy, that targets the Edinburgh School of artists and works by William Gillies, Robin Philipson, John Maxwell and William MacTaggart are represented. A magnificent bequest by the widow of Scottish Colourist John Duncan Fergusson has resulted in major, sometimes seminal works by this acclaimed painter, arguably taking pride of place in the collection.

Sculpture is well represented with works both inside and outside the building with oeuvre by Jake Harvey, George Wyllie, Eduardo Paolozzi and Barbara Hepworth's magnificent 'Archaen'.

The MacRobert Arts Centre where many works have been and are still exhibited, is located in the main campus of Stirling University which was originally opened in 1971 as Scotland's first purpose built arts facility.