Aberdeen Art Gallery is now gleaming after workmen finished adding tonnes of copper cladding to the new roof as part of its £30million renovation.
The treasured space is being transformed into a modern attraction, with 21 gallery spaces in place of the existing 11 and a community gallery. The hall of remembrance is also being upgraded.
The work will allow more space for international exhibitions, while outdoor terraces may tempt visitors to spend even more time at the gallery as they sit back and look over the city skyline.
Yesterday, it emerged that public donations from the north-east have been flooding in – with the tally at now nearly £3million.
A high-profile fundraising drive for the remaining £7million is ongoing, while the remaining money will come from the Heritage Lottery and local authority.
The completing of the copper cladding work was yesterday hailed as an important milestone towards the grand reopening this winter.
Deputy leader Marie Boulton, who leads the council’s cultural programme, said it was important for the Granite City to concentrate on drawing in tourists as it looks to a post-oil future.
She said: “I think the addition of this rose copper will be a huge addition to one of the city’s most beloved buildings.
“We want to create a place that is opening and welcoming to all. There might be people out there who come in only for a coffee and to sit in the sun, if we get them in then that’s the first step and they might come back again and again.
“What we found in the past with the gallery was we just didn’t have enough space to bring the world renowned exhibitions we wanted to.
“Culture and tourism have sometimes been forgotten in the past given the dominance of the oil industry. I think that we will certainly be using it as a key economic driver in the future.
“With this renovation we are putting culture where it should be- right at the forefront.”
Steven Aitken, contracts manager at builders McLaughlin and Harvey, said the huge cladding job had been among the biggest he had undertaken.
He said: “It’s a big job and challenging because we have to fit so much copper along with glass.
“It’s getting the materials up to the roof that has been one of the hardest parts.
“But we should be on time, I don’t think we are too far off finishing now.”
How to donate
Those wishing to support the project can visit www.aagm.co.uk/donate or phone 01224 523670.
Donations can also be made by texting AAGM001 to 70970 to donate £5 and AAGM001 to 70191 to donate £10.
Donors can also send a cheque, made payable to Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums Development Trust, to: Inspiring Art and Music Campaign, Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Shiprow, Aberdeen, AB11 5BY.
Alternatively, call 01224 523670.
