T.J. Honeyman : policies towards the popularization of art and the Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum, Kelvingrove

Abstract

The thesis will examine Dr. T. J. Honeyman's policies towards the popularization of art and of the Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum, Kelvingrove. From 1939-1954, Honeyman was the Director of the Art Gallery and Museum, and during this period devoted all his efforts towards helping the public gain a basic understanding of art appreciation. By increasing the public's awareness of art he hoped not only to increase their interest and support in the Fine Arts but in the Arts in general. His ultimate goal was to create a revival in Glasgow's artistic culture and increase its status in national and international art circles. Within his capacity as director he created three roles for himself - that of publicist, educationalist, and purveyor of ideas. Working within these roles enabled him to maximize the full resources available to him as a director, and through them to stimulate the artistic culture in Glasgow.

Honeyman was attempting to popularize art in the Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum. He resisted the widespread belief that "fine art" was a middle class phenomenon and devised a program aimed at the demystification of art, thus allowing everyone the opportunity to broaden their appreciation and increase their personal growth. The thesis is composed of three chapters and deals with each role respectively. Within each role, the relevant mechanisms set up by Honeyman to institute his policies on popular art are addressed and examined. Demonstrating how these mechanisms were utilized is essential to understanding how he fulfilled his purpose to popularize art and enliven the city's artistic culture.