Kelvingrove wins major accolade

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum has won a major award for the outstanding way it communicates with its visitors. The Interpret Britain and Ireland Award was presented to Sue Latimer, the museum’s Senior Education & Access Curator, by popular Irish actor Frank Kelly in Ireland on 26 November.

The awards recognise the very best examples of interpretation – the art of helping people explore and appreciate our world. Winners had to score high marks against a range of rigorous criteria including imagination and innovation, good interpretive planning and a clear commitment to accessibility, training and maintenance. Kelvingrove was the only UK award winner, with the other two awards going to institutions in the Republic of Ireland.

The news came as Kelvingrove welcomed its four millionth visitor since its reopening last year.

Bailie Liz Cameron, the Chair of Culture and Sport Glasgow, which runs Kelvingrove on behalf of Glasgow City Council, said: “We have world-class collections which we want to make accessible to all. With four million visitors flocking to the refurbished Kelvingrove since it reopened last year, we know that our interpretation and displays are reinventing how we communicate with our visitors.

“I’m delighted that we’ve won this prestigious award and much of the credit must go to the dedication and commitment of our museums staff.

“The success of Kelvingrove is not only due to the strength of the project team but all the staff who have contributed behind the scenes to enhance the visitor experience”

Mark O’Neill, the Head of Arts and Museums at Culture and Sport Glasgow, said: “Kelvingrove may be housed in a grand Victorian palace, but our displays and interpretation are all very much within the 21st century – offering a richer experience for our visitors.

“We’re determined that art and culture should be accessible to all, regardless of age or social status and I’m delighted that the AHI has recognised this with this award.”

At the award ceremony at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience on the west coast of Ireland, Frank Kelly said: “Acting is all about telling stories and bringing people and places to life. So I am fascinated to see how heritage sites are using interpretation to tell stories, and inspire and excite people about history, culture and the environment. I’m especially delighted that two Irish sites have won recognition in these awards.”

The awards scheme, now in its 23rd year, is run by the AHI, with support from English Heritage, the Countryside Council for Wales, and Scottish Natural Heritage.