Art Collection, University of Stirling

About the museum

The Art Collection dates from the founding of the University of Stirling in 1967. The first Principal, Tom Cottrell, wanted art to be part of campus life, and the university set aside one per cent of the cost of each building in its first phase for artworks. Early commissions and purchases included works by Patrick Heron, Eduardo Paolozzi and Robin Philipson, and a large print collection was built up as well.

Important gifts include fourteen works by the Scottish Colourist J. D. Fergusson, given in 1968 by his partner Margaret Morris, and a group of paintings and a sculpture from the Scottish Arts Council in 1997. The collection also holds several works by artists linked to St Ives in Cornwall. Later the university decided to collect only Scottish contemporary art, and recent additions include works by Christine Borland, Ken Currie, David Shrigley and Alison Watt.

The collection now has around 900 works, including paintings, drawings, tapestries, sculpture and silver. Most are shown in the Pathfoot Building, the first building finished on the campus in 1967, while sculptures stand in the grounds along a sculpture trail. The collection and the Pathfoot Galleries are accredited by Museums Galleries Scotland, and the collection is recognised as a Collection of National Significance.

Highlights

• Scottish contemporary paintings and sculpture, around 900 works in total
• Fourteen works by J. D. Fergusson given in 1968
• Works by Patrick Heron, Eduardo Paolozzi and Robin Philipson
• Sculpture trail across the campus grounds
• Displays in the 1967 Pathfoot Building

Permanent exhibitions

• Art Collection displays in the Pathfoot Building – Works from the university’s collection of Scottish contemporary art are shown in the building’s concourse, corridors and Crush Hall.
• Campus sculpture trail – Sculptures by Scottish artists stand across the campus grounds, which are open at all times.

Founded

1967

Operated by

University of Stirling

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry to the collection is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Blue Badge holders do not pay for parking on campus. For other access questions, contact the Art Collection team.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The Pathfoot Building is on the slope to the left as you enter the campus by the main entrance.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The university runs an Art Collection shop.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit