The Connoissseur

Today I had the enormous privilege of a tour of the newly-refurbished Scottish National Portrait Gallery with my organisation's chair and the Gallery's Director James Holloway. By coincidence, it was James's very last tour, as he was retiring that day, so we were privileged indeed.

I have toured the SNPG a number of times with James; when the project was being conceived and during building works, but today was him at his very best. His knowledge is encyclopaedic, his passion and enthusiasm pour out of every word, and are reflected in the new displays. He is a true connoisseur.

The Gallery itself is an absolute delight. Light now flows into every individual gallery and the building seems to glow with pleasure in showing off so many wonderful exhibits.

This bust is of Sir John Watson Gordon, by Patric Park. Gordon was the successor to Raeburn as the Victorians' greatest portrait painter. Here he looks out towards Queen Street through the newly exposed arcades of Rowan Anderson's masterpiece, now revealed at its very best.

The refurbishment project is the culmination of James's career. Thank you James for an inspiring tour and a delightful end to a week that I think could reasonably be described as "interesting".