Opening to the public from the 20th September, the National Gallery’s Degas exhibition will celebrate the artist’s work in the centenary of the artist’s death on 27 September 1917. 

From this Autumn, visitors at the National Gallery will have an opportunity to view a group of artworks by Degas from the Burrell collection in Glasgow – many of which have not been seen outside Glasgow since they were acquired at the beginning of the 20th century.

Marking the centenary of the artist’s death in 1917, the National Gallery’s exhibition will pay tribute to one of the most recognised figures in French art.

The pieces of art that will be displayed have been taken from the collection of Shipping magnate Sir William Burrell, who acquired a great collection of Degas pastels, featuring work from every aspect of the artist’s career.

Each of the thirteen pastels, three drawings, and four oil paintings represent some of the French artist’s favourite subjects including  the ballet, horse racing, and the private world of women at their toilette.

All of the works on loan from the collection will be displayed alongside a number of  oil paintings and pastels from the National Gallery’s own collection of Degas works as well as loans from other collections that relate to the Burrell works.

“The National Gallery has a long and distinguished history of engagement with the art of Degas. Now we have the opportunity to see how William Burrell, the UK’s greatest private collector of Degas’s works, responded to his art in turn. The incomparable collection of pastels will come as a particular revelation to visitors,” said Christopher Riopelle, Curator of Post-1800 Paintings at the National Gallery.

The exhibition will be divided into three sections  Modern Life, Dancers, and Private Worlds, and explores Degas’s skills and innovations, along with the art historical and personal contexts in which these works were created. The motivations of William Burrell for collecting Degas’s works will also be explored.

National Gallery Director, Dr Gabriele Finaldi, said: “This is a unique opportunity to see in London the remarkable group of Degas paintings and pastels collected with a singular passion by William Burrell and donated by him to the people of Glasgow. Ablaze with colour these works reflect Degas’s passionate and committed artistic vision.”

Drawn from Colour: Degas from the Burrell will be on display at the National Gallery from the 20th September until the 7th May 2018. For more information visit: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/drawn-in-colour-degas-from-the-burrell