History of The Fergusson Gallery
Last updated | 01/09/2010
WATERWORKS TO ARTWORKS
1830-2
Dr. Adam Anderson (c.1780-1846), Rector of Perth Academy designs
and builds a waterworks to supply the first plumbed water to
houses in Perth. The stone is from the Longannet quarry in
Fife.
This building is one of the earliest cast iron buildings in the
world. The cast iron work is by the Dundee Foundry Company. It
costs £13,609.11/11.5d to complete.
James Turnbull is appointed first Superintendent of Works with
James Gray as Engineman and J Imries as
Boilerman.
1965
After 133 years of service the building becomes redundant when the
water board move to Gowans Terrace in North Perth.
1974
The building undergoes major renovation and reopens as the Perth
Tourist Centre.
Late 80's
The Tourist Centre moves to the High Street and the building
becomes redundant once more.
1991
Perth and Kinross District Council is gifted the largest collection
of work by John Duncan Fergusson (1874-1961), as
well as an associated archive and copyright in all of Fergusson's
works.
This gift is made by the Trustees of the J D Fergusson Art
Foundation. The Foundation was established in 1963 to promote
Fergusson's life and work.
The redundant building is converted to The Fergusson
Gallery.
1992
The Fergusson Gallery is formally opened by Sir Norman
McFarlane (now Lord McFarlane of Bearsden) on the anniversary
of J D Fergusson's birthday: 9th March.
2003-2005
The cast iron dome of the building undergoes major
renovation in a project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund,
Historic Scotland and Perth and Kinross Council.
2010
Another major gift is made to Perth and Kinross Council, comprising
the entire collection of artwork, costume and archive of the
pioneering dancer, choreographer and artist Margaret
Morris (1891-1980). The collection is housed and displayed
at The Fergusson Gallery, alongside that of her lifelong
partner, J D Fergusson. The gift was made by the International
Association of Margaret Morris Movement.
A more detailed history of the building and J D
Fergusson and the Fergusson Gallery collections is contained in the
booklet
'The Fergusson Gallery', published to celebrate the completion
of major renovation work in 2005. Further information about Adam
Anderson is available in the booklet Adam Anderson : The
Schoolmaster Engineer by Kenneth Cameron, available at The
Fergusson Gallery and the A K Bell Library in Perth.
The Fergusson Gallery houses collections recognised as of
National Significance to Scotland, is
fully accredited and enjoys Visit Scotland
four star rating.
