We finally got the chance to see The Afterlife of Mary Queen of Scots, The Hunterian’s major new exhibition and it did not disappoint.
Mary Queen of Scots (1542–1587) has been a cultural icon and source of fascination for centuries. More than four hundred years after her death, she continues to polarise opinion and to hold a fascination for the public, both in Scotland and around the world.
This major exhibition at the Hunterian Art Gallery does not simply re-tell the story of the Scottish queen’s life. Instead, it explores Mary’s cultural afterlife and her posthumous reputation, considering why she has had such an important and enduring presence in Scottish collective memory and popular culture.
On show are items from The Hunterian and University of Glasgow Archives and Special Collections, including art, coins and medals, printed books, charters and other archival material.
Key objects include a rare medal commemorating the marriage of Mary to Lord Darnley in 1565, a Mary Queen of Scots silver Testoon of 1553 (Mary’s coinages were the first to feature portraits of a female Scottish monarch) and one of the most significant Queen Mary pieces in The Hunterian collection, a romanticised painting by Gavin Hamilton (1723–1798) called The Abdication of Mary, Queen of Scots.
The exhibition is the result of a University of Glasgow led research project mapping the presence of Mary Queen of Scots items in Scottish heritage collections, aimed at understanding how Mary’s legend has impacted on Scottish society and culture.
The show will run until early February so pop it in your diary for #thingstodoinglasgow over the winter months.
VISITOR INFORMATION
- The Afterlife of Mary Queen of Scots is at the Hunterian Art Gallery from 14 October 2022–5 February 2023.
- Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am–5pm. Closed Monday. Please check our Opening Hours page before you visit.
- Activity Trail for all the family to explore the exhibition and add your own creative flair to Mary’s story. #YS2022
- Join a tour of the exhibition.
- Check out our Mary Queen of Scots events and talks.