McManus Galleries, Dundee

Dull, over cast morning with a threat of rain later. I was invited to a Men's Breakfast in Central Baptist Church in the City centre. Excellent food and conversation followed by a speaker. I was invited to speak at the next Breakfast in September.

Afterwards, I met Eleanor and we visited the McManus Galleries which is a Gothic Revival-style building, located in the centre of Dundee. The building houses a museum and art gallery with a collection of fine and decorative art as well as a natural history collection.

The concept for the building was originally commissioned as a memorial to Prince Albert and intended to contain room for lectures, museum, picture gallery and a reference library for students by British Association for the Advancement of Science. The funding for the building was agreed to be provided by the inhabitants of Dundee. Although the city could not afford such a lavish memorial outright, it did contribute £300. A guaranteed fund of £4,205 15/- from 168 contributors was collected which included a large gift from the Baxter family which totalled £420.
The building was designed by the architect George Gilbert Scott, who was an expert for the restoration of mediaeval churches and advocate of the Gothic architectural style. The building was opened as the Albert Institute in 1867.

We also visited The Howff - a fascinating Cemetery which dates back to 1564, when Mary, Queen of Scots granted the land to the burgh of Dundee, for use as a burial ground. It was used for meetings by the Dundee Incorporated Trades, and subsequently became known as The Howff, from the Scots word howff meaning a meeting place. Meetings at The Howff ceased in 1776. The last burial took place in 1857. The walls along the west side date from 1601.

If you would like to see photographs of The Howff, which include headstones showing how many children died tragically young and also the West Gate, then head to my Flikr set.

I also took a photo of last night's full moon which you can see here.

I was spoiled for choice as you can see but I hope you can enjoy them all. Enjoy your weekend.