Our History
One of the oldest-established, independent Art Galleries
and Museums' Friends organisations in the UK
One of the oldest-established, independent Art Galleries and Museums' Friends organisations in the UK
Originally known as Glasgow Art Gallery and Museums Association (GAGMA), Friends of Glasgow Museums was founded in 1944 by Dr Tom Honeyman, the visionary Director of Glasgow Art Galleries and Museums from 1939-1954.
During his tenure as Director, Tom Honeyman brought numerous world-class works to Glasgow’s collections, the most famous being Salvador Dali’s Christ of St John of the Cross. With his keen eye and astute bargaining skills, he acquired not only one of the most important collections of 19th and 20th Century French paintings in the UK, but also secured for the city many significant works of the Glasgow School (which were at that time yet to be fully appreciated).
In June 2021, the Friends moved from their base at Kelvingrove in Glasgow’s West End, to beautiful new premises at The Glasgow Art Club. The Friends share many long-standing connections with the Art Club, and it feels particularly fitting that a portrait of prominent Art Club Member and Founder of the Friends Tom Honeyman hangs on the wall of 185 Bath Street to this day.
Dr Tom Honeyman establishes the Glasgow Art Galleries and Museums Association (GAGMA).
Image courtesy of The Glasgow Art Club
GAGMA's founder Tom Honeyman, then Director of Glasgow Museums, acquires Salvador Dali's Christ of St John of the Cross for £8200. Included in the price (considered excessive at the time) was the copyright, which continues to earn money for Glasgow Museums to this day.
© CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
Salvador Dali's Christ of St John of the Cross goes on display at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum.
Two Children by Joan Eardley (1963) purchased for Glasgow Museums with assistance from GAGMA
© CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
GAGMA, now Friends of Glasgow Museums (FoGM) supports the acquisition of Oh Ye, All Ye that walk in Willowwood by Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh (1903).
© CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
FoGM celebrates its 75th Anniversary with a Gala Evening in Kelvingrove Art Galleries and Museum hosted by Glasgow's Lord Provost.
FoGM assists in the acquisition of A Highland Chieftain: Portrait of Lord Mungo Murray by John Michael Wright (c.1683)
FoGM moves from Kelvingrove to our new home at The Glasgow Art Club.
Launch of the Friends of Glasgow Museums website.
First FoGM online Lecture Series via Zoom.
