Thousands of visitors help Kirkcaldy Galleries celebrate centenary year

A packed programme of activities marking the centenary included the comprehensive A Century of Kirkcaldy Galleries exhibition, which has had around 18,000 visitors.

In fact, the exhibition, which features everything from the very first painting donated to the Galleries to a table and chair made from coal and a much-loved solid brass diving helmet, has proved so successful it has been extended for a further three weeks, running until February 15.

Taking stock of the six months of celebrations, Curator Jane Freel said it had been an amazing period which had seen record numbers of visitors, young and old, coming from near and far, to see the treasures the town has to offer.

She said: “I have really enjoyed talking to lots of different people in the town and seeing how much Kirkcaldy Galleries has had an impact on their lives from when they were children.

“So many people think of the building so fondly and say that it is an amazing resource to have on their doorstep.”

Kirkcaldy Galleries’ official 100th birthday was June 27 and the celebrations kicked off with the Big Birthday Bash – a weekend of fun, music, nostalgia and cake to mark the grand milestone.

There was also a poignant element to the weekend, reflecting the Galleries’ origins as part of the town’s War Memorial, with Bud, Poppy Scotland’s mobile museum of reflection and hope, welcoming visitors in the car park.

The Royal British Legion Scotland also marked the occasion with the reading of all 1500 names on the memorials.

Local organisations and artists have played a big part in marking the centenary, with workshops from Kirkcaldy Art Club and Fife textile designer Claire Christie catering for both adults and children.

Promoting alternative energy, Kirkcaldy Galleries worked with PeachyKeen from Kirkcaldy and the GameOn gaming group on a pedal-powered Grand Prix Challenge event which was well attended. PeachyKeen was also behind a human-powered Holiday Express model on display within the library over the festive period, which had more than 500 visitors.

Kirkcaldy Civic Society has been actively engaged, using the Galleries’ Local Studies department to undertake research for its Kirkcaldy’s heritage in 50 objects blog, including a special article on the Galleries’ own history.

Griselda Hill Pottery, which produces Wemyss Ware and has supported the Galleries since the pottery was founded in Ceres, has also played a big part in the celebrations, with its 40th anniversary coinciding with the Galleries’ centenary. A special Wemyss Ware display is currently on show in the foyer.

Griselda also created a special edition Wemyss Ware cat inspired by linoleum from the museum collection. The unique artefact was raffled by the Friends of Kirkcaldy Galleries, raising £2800 for its funds, which are used for additional projects and items for the museum and art galleries.

She also made 100 Wemyss cat brooches, which were sold in the museum shop and have now almost sold out, and local schools were invited to come up with their own design for decorating a cat and the top three were made into a cat for them to keep.

Several schools visited during the centenary year, and the Friends of Kirkcaldy Galleries helped make these visits easier through its free School Transport Fund, facilitated through the You Decide Community regeneration fund. This funding runs until March so any schools wishing to arrange a visit can get in touch through the Galleries.

King Charles and Queen Camilla rededicated the War Memorial during a visit to Kirkcaldy in July and the King’s Wreath, which he laid in the ceremony, is on display at the top of the stairhead in the Galleries. The King also made a private visit to the Galleries, touring the exhibition and meeting voluntary groups.

And at the Remembrance Day service in November more than 70 organisations participated in the wreath-laying ceremony, led by the Royal British Legion Scotland’s Kirkcaldy branch.

A huge community effort saw the memorial and the balcony of the Galleries covered in a blanket of more than 8000 knitted poppies, many made by the CastOn knitting and crochet group which meets in the Galleries.

In October, Guy Peploe, grandson of artist Samuel Peploe, took part in a sold-out In Conversation With event with broadcaster and former politician Michael Portillo at the Adam Smith Theatre.

Michael’s grandfather, a prominent industrialist and the first convener of Kirkcaldy Art Gallery, loaned some of his extensive art collection to the museum and art gallery when it first opened. Part of this collection was sold to Kirkcaldy Town Council on his death.

Jane explained: “Many of the events have been possible thanks to a generous bequest from Jean Hubbard, a Kirkcaldy lady who was a strong advocate of the Galleries during her lifetime.

“Her generous donation has been used to fund exhibitions and events including the Birthday Bash and we are now looking to acquire some new artworks with the money left by her.

“We are delighted by how the KG100 celebrations have gone so far and we are looking forward to continuing its legacy over the next 100 years!”

Curator’s tours of the A Century of Kirkcaldy Galleries exhibition have also been a big hit, including a British Sign Language tour, and the final one will take place on February 4.

This gives anyone who has not yet had the opportunity to go along and see the outstanding collection of paintings and artefacts with expert input from a curator. Places can be booked through the Kirkcaldy Galleries pages on www.onfife.com.