Stirling Smith Museum and Art Gallery - The Stirling Smith 1996-2005

The Stirling Smith 1996-2005

From 1996 to 1999, John Scott was Chair of the Friends. During this time, the Smith won one of the first Woodmansterne Awards for the conservation of the Hugh Howard portrait of composer Arcangelo Corelli (1653–1713). Paul Woodmansterne was so delighted with the project that he brought an early music ensemble from St. Albans to perform Corelli’s Christmas Concerto and other works in a celebratory concert in the big gallery.

John Scott was also personally involved as part of the team constructing the William Wallace exhibition of 1997, the Victorian Stirling exhibition in 1998, and the Stirling Story exhibition in 2000. Each of these was a major production showing different aspects of the Smith’s collections.

Margaret Gray’s time as Chairperson was distinguished with the production and delivery of Ailie’s Garden, the biodiversity and play area at the rear of the Smith in 2002. A membership drive, assisted with the first colour-printed Friends leaflet, took the membership to over 900, a significant achievement for a small museum. Moira Lawson who became Chair in 2004 was heavily involved in the fund raising and project management for Ailie’s Garden, as well as in the fundraising for the purchase of the Wallace painting. Her culinary skills are important in providing the special social events which punctuate the Smith’s year – the exhibition openings, celebrations and children’s events.