The Man Who Collected the World: William Burrell
William Burrell made a fortune out of shipping and spent it on art. Kirsty Wark tells the story of the self-effacing collector and tours the highlights of his collection.
William Burrell made a fortune out of shipping and spent it on art. Over his long life, he assembled one of the most remarkable private collections of paintings, sculptures, tapestries, ceramics and stained glass in the world and in 1944 he donated it all - over 9,000 objects - to the city of Glasgow. The Burrell Collection finally opened to the public in 1983, but the building that bears his name contains no tribute to Burrell and he never commissioned a portrait of himself.
Kirsty Wark tells the story of the self-effacing collector and tours the highlights of his collection in the company of its curators.
Last on
![]()
View paintings, stained glass and sculpture highlights.
![]()
Read about the history of William Burrell's innovative shipping business.
Clips
-
![]()
Introduction to The Burrell Collection
Duration: 02:52
-
![]()
Henry VIII's bed head
Duration: 01:58
-
![]()
Burrell's purchase books
Duration: 01:57
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Presenter | Kirsty Wark |
| Executive Producer | Andrew Lockyer |
| Director | Kath Pick |
