Art & Culture

Mary Quant celebrated in V&A Dundee’s first fashion photoshoot

An iconic photograph of fashion designer Mary Quant taken in 1966 has been recreated by V&A Dundee, ahead of the opening of its first major fashion exhibition celebrating the influential designer (Thursday 27 August).

Mary Quant changed the fashion system, overturning the dominance of Paris couturiers, and transformed young women like her into the new leaders of style.

The new images shot on location inside and outside Scotland’s first design museum before it temporarily closed feature new textiles created by five emerging designers inspired by the work of Mary Quant.

Lucy Carrie, Emer Dobson, Sandra Junele, Humaira Khan and Jane Neave, all 3^rd year Textile Design students at the University of Dundee’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, were presented with an opportunity to work with V&A Dundee earlier this year as part of a project titled 21^st Century Quant, examining Mary Quant’s design legacy.

The new designers were asked to create textiles inspired by Quant’s 1960s rebellion, but also that responded to the big issues facing today’s fashion world. Detailed research and experimentation led them to explore urgent themes such as climate change, consumerism, and racism.

The textiles were then transformed into four dresses made to the exact specification of an original Mary Quant Butterick dressmaking pattern. The knitted cape designed by textile design student Sandra Junele was inspired by Quant’s famous Alligator cape, and references the importance of repurposing clothing waste as a way to tackle problems caused by fast fashion and over-consumption.

Emer Dobson created a repeat pattern using the outline of non-recyclable packaging to highlight the problem of sustainability and the issue of hidden waste.

Emer Dobson said:  “I tried to think about how the last 60 years would have changed Mary Quant’s design process, her aesthetic and her ethos. The main thing I took from my research was that she wanted to design for everyone, was forward-thinking and quite a revolutionary.

“I looked at mass production and used the supermarket as my visual source, and the onslaught of advertising and bright colours. I used that as a starting place to critique mass production. I think Mary Quant probably would have had a similar take on things.

“Every time I had an idea I thought, ‘What would Mary do?’ I think she’d be annoyed by all of this. I think she would want sustainability.”

Lucy Carrie created a design inspired by graffiti text protesting against racism, while Jane Neave’s acid-bright design is inspired by Quant’s fashion statements which challenged gender stereotypes. 

Jane Neave said:  “I really considered how Mary Quant looked, how she wore suits even though it wasn’t really done then. She designed with women, and what women wanted, in mind. Then I thought about this in relation to designing my textile and dress.”

Pharmacist turned textile designer Humaira Khan leveraged her scientific knowledge to create her dyes from scratch.

Humaira Khan said:  “Measuring dyes in the lab was exactly like my work as a production pharmacist in which I handled all the raw materials in point zero one to thousands of litres. This experience formed an excellent basis for dyes I created for this project. Though it’s a complex process, I didn’t experience any difficulties.”

After the exhibition this year and graduation next, Humaira plans to establish her own textile design business.

“I want to do something with innovation and sustainability,” she said. “I want to make items that avoid landfill, I want to make longer-lasting products.”

Sophie McKinlay, Director of Programme at V&A Dundee said:  “Mary Quant started out as a young art student, going on to become one of Britain’s best-known designers with a unique vision to use fashion as a way to communicate new attitudes and ideas. All of us at V&A Dundee have enjoyed taking a fresh look at Mary Quant’s legacy through the lens of these five young designers as they embark on their own design careers. We are delighted to celebrate Mary Quant opening at V&A Dundee with this inspiring and unique collaboration.”

Professor Anita Taylor, Dean at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design said :  “21^st Century Quant has been such an exciting project for our Textile Design students – their final designs boldly reimagine the spirit of Quant and present a fresh and feisty take on her transformational legacy and reflect and respond to current issues of climate change, social justice, and sustainability in the fashion industry. Congratulations to our emerging leaders of style!”

The 21^st Century Quant shoot was the first time V&A Dundee has been used as a fashion shoot location. The new designers worked with fashion industry professionals, photographer Aleksandra Modrzjewska and stylist Kristen Neillie.  A 2014 textile design graduate of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, Kristen Neillie has gone on to work with Vogue, Dazed and Net-a-Porter.

The 21^st Century Quant garments will be on display at V&A Dundee for the opening week of Mary Quant, on show outside the exhibition entrance.

The exhibition which focuses on the years between 1955 and 1975 will also feature the stories of women who made outfits from Mary Quant’s dressmaking patterns, gathered through V&A Dundee’s #SewQuant campaign, as well as a new film looking at contemporary female designers who, like Mary Quant, are forging their own way through today’s rapidly shifting fashion industry.

Dresses with printed textiles designed by Lucy Carrie, Emer Dobson, Sandra Junele, Humaira Khan and Jane Neave. Dress production by Min Atelier.

Cape with knitted textile designed by Sandra Junele, produced by JAG Knitwear, 2020

Mary Quant was curated by Jenny Lister and Stephanie Wood of the V&A and shown at V&A South Kensington from 6 April 2019 to 16 February 2020. 

The Mary Quant exhibition at V&A Dundee opens Thursday 27 August to 17 January 2021.

Mary Quant at V&A Dundee is supported by Barclays Private Bank.

#QuantDundee #SewDundee

vam.ac.uk/dundee/maryquant

Photo credits :

1966 photograph:  Mary Quant and her Ginger Group of girls in Market Street Manchester. February 1966. Photo by Howard Walker, Mirrorpix, Getty Images
21^st Century Quant photograph:  Photographed by Aleksandra Modrzjewska on location at V&A Dundee, styled by Kristen Neillie, Hair by Kay McIntyre, Make up by Jill Syme.

Designers: Lucy Carrie, Emer Dobson, Sandra Junele, Humaira Khan and Jane Neave.

Models: Catriona Merchant, Joy Gansh, Jolene Guthrie, Lindsey Gordon, Maisie Farrer.

An ambitious plan to boost Dundee’s growing tourism sector has been unveiled.

Leading tourism experts in the city, through the Tourism Leadership Group, will oversee the Dundee Tourism Recovery Plan- Covid 19 to ensure the city is ready to progress and strengthen its tourism offer as quickly as possible as Coronavirus restrictions begin to lift.

In 2019 alone Dundee’s economy received a record breaking £214 million tourism boost and received accolades including being named among the coolest places in the world to visit this year by National Geographic Traveller UK, and featuring in Condé Nast Traveller UK’s 10 Best UK City Breaks for 2019.

This plan sets out key objectives to ensure the city maximises its reputation as a must-see destination despite the challenges posed by Covid-19. 

The key priorities of this ambitious plan will see the creation of a city narrative to tell the authentic story of Dundee, considering the changing markets for tourism and new priorities for prospective visitors.

In addition, the plan seeks to anticipate and respond to seasonal demand, grow visitor numbers, and ensure environmental sustainability remains a key focus of the city’s tourism activity.

With restrictions easing, A ‘Dundee Welcomes You’ guide has been pulled together in order to help visitors enjoy their visit. The webpage details what is open including hotels, attractions and retail.

This recovery plan builds on the Dundee Tourism Strategy 2020- 2025, the publication of which has been postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Going forward, the overarching aim of this plan is to return the city to a position where it is ready to adopt and implement the full tourism strategy.

Chair of the Dundee Partnership, Councillor John Alexander said: “Prior to the coronavirus outbreak Dundee’s tourism sector was booming and I hope as restrictions ease more and more people will once again come and visit Scotland’s sunniest city
“We exceeded our 2020 target for economic impact, overnight stays and day visits in 2019 to the city, this plan will build upon the innovative and creative record Dundee has and will work to attract more visitors and increase the spend in the city.

“We all have the responsibility to enjoy the city safely and I’m delighted this group will work closely with the sector to provide advice on safety measures, new initiatives and promote funding streams that are available to this sector.”
Deirdre Robertson, Chief Executive of the Dundee Heritage Trust, has been appointed the Chair of the Tourism Leadership Group and Tara Wainwright, Acting Director of Audiences & Media at V&A Dundee, and Jessica Reid, Deputy Director and Head of External Relations at Dundee Contemporary Arts, have been appointed Vice Chairs of the group.

Deirdre Robertson, newly appointed Chair of the Tourism Leadership Group, said: "It has been really encouraging in the first few days since restrictions have been eased to see how many visitors are coming from out with the city to visit Dundee's heritage and cultural venues and how responsible and respectful they are being.

“It is clear Dundee is increasingly being recognised within Scotland and beyond, not just for its much-loved visitor attractions and the range and quality of its restaurants and accommodation options, but also as a fantastic tourist base.

“There are very few cities with such richness on its doorstep, where visitors can base themselves and so easily reach an incredible variety of things to do - stunning castles and stately homes, historic abbeys, spectacular waterfalls, watersports, mountains, beautiful beaches, gorgeous river walks and picturesque, authentic unspoilt villages - all within easy travelling distance of our fabulous wee city.

“Dundonians know we are blessed to live here and increasingly others are wakening up to how amazing it is too."

This plan is designed to work in partnership with Dundee’s Cultural Recovery and Resilience Plan and with the city’s economic recovery plan.

Scotland’s ‘Best Visitor Attraction’, The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum will be reopening on Thursday 20th August.

Visitors and Dundonians alike will once again be able to experience Dundee's museum collection in eight beautiful open gallery spaces. The galleries act as the City's civic memory, housing fascinating individual items of art, which provide an engaging insight into the history of Dundee. 

Earlier this year, The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum struck gold at the 2019/20 Scottish Thistle Awards National Final in Edinburgh where they won Best Visitor Attraction. Now they are ready to celebrate and begin their journey out of lockdown with the opening two new major exhibitions to visitors. ‘A Love Letter to Dundee: Joseph McKenzie Photographs 1964-1987’ and ‘Time and Tide: The Transformation of The Tay’ will both focus on change in the city.

The Joseph McKenzie exhibition returns to Dundee of the 1960s-1980s. Stunning black and white photographs evidence the changing fortunes of the City and its people. McKenzie is considered by many to be the father of modern Scottish photography and his Dundee works are just the balm that we need coming out of lockdown. They remind us of Dundee's strength through changing times, the value of community and the knowledge that we can look forward to better times ahead.

Throughout the lockdown period, the River Tay has provided a calm backdrop to the anxiety around us. Time and Tide looks at the influence of the Tay without which, Dundee would not exist nor have transformed from a small medieval settlement to Scotland’s fourth largest city. This exhibition looks at how the growth of the city, particularly along the waterfront, has affected the Tay, its wildlife and the people who live here. From early settlement to industrial giant, to post-industrial leisure destination, the waterfront continues to recycle and reinvent itself.

Sinclair Aitken, Chair of Leisure & Culture Dundee said

“This is more positive news for cultural tourism in the city, as the reopening of The McManus will encourage even more people to spend time in the city centre. Leisure & Culture Dundee has an important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of everyone in Dundee and continues to contribute positively to recovery and renewal in the city.” 

Billy Gartley, Head of Cultural Services at Leisure & Culture Dundee said

"The McManus has long been a Dundonian favourite. We’ve missed our visitors - and with the prestigious accolade of Visitor Attraction of the Year - we hope many more will be tempted in. Our collections comprise Dundee's civic memory, reminding us of both good and challenging times from the past, highlighting the enduring spirit of our citizens. With two outstanding new exhibitions we can't wait to welcome you back."

Careful planning will ensure all appropriate measures are in place to protect the safety of staff and customers. The attraction will be part of the “We’re Good To Go” scheme, the official UK mark to signal that a tourism and hospitality business has worked hard to follow Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines and has a process in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.

 As ever, admission is free, but donations to support the work of The McManus in caring for the City's collections are welcome.

Both exhibitions open on Thursday 20th August.  A Love Letter to Dundee: Joseph McKenzie Photographs 1964-87 runs for over a year, until Sunday 24th October 2021. Time and Tide: The Transformation of the Tay runs until Sunday 18th April 2021.

Keep up to date with developments through The McManus website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.  Full details on upcoming exhibitions will follow.

#WelcomeBackDundee

V&A Dundee will reopen on Thursday 27 August with its first major fashion exhibition, Mary Quant, and an exciting new programme extending throughout the whole museum. 

Mary Quant is the first international retrospective on the iconic British designer who disrupted the fashion establishment, captured the spirit of London in the 1960s, and started a fashion revolution that a whole generation wanted to take part in – and still continues today. 

The exhibition will run from 27 August to 17 January 2021, with tickets on sale from today at www.vam.ac.uk/dundee This will be followed by Night Fever: Designing Club Culture from 27 March to 5 September 2021. 

Turner Prize-winning architecture collective Assemble will begin work in V&A Dundee on Making Room from 27 August, a project with Dundee Central Library, local school pupils and the museum’s Young People’s Collective.  

Making Room is taking inspiration from historic buildings in Dundee to produce a new interior room that will be built in V&A Dundee before being moved to Dundee Central Library, where it will function as an area for digital learning and making for the city. 

Scotland’s first design museum has also curated a new exhibition in response to the coronavirus pandemic, looking at how designers responded to the crisis. Now Accepting Contactless: Design in a Global Pandemic will be shown in the Michelin Design Gallery, in spaces throughout the museum and, for the first time, outside the museum as well. 

Other design projects will be shown across the museum, including Sewing Box for the Future and films from the Schools Design Challenge, as well as the reopening of the Scottish Design Galleries including Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s iconic Oak Room. 

A number of measures will be in place across the museum to ensure a safe, welcoming and inspiring experience for visitors and staff alike. All visitors will need to book free tickets to enter the museum, as part of the essential steps to keep visitors safe and to ensure physical distancing. Those free tickets can also be booked from today at www.vam.ac.uk/dundee 

Mary Quant at V&A Dundee is supported by Barclays Private Bank. Making Room and the Schools Design Challenge are both supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 

Leonie Bell, incoming Director of V&A Dundee, said: “I am hugely excited to be preparing to join the team at V&A Dundee, particularly at a time when Scotland’s first design museum will be reopening and welcoming visitors back with Mary Quant, its first major fashion exhibition, and its most ambitious programme to date.  

“That programme also includes the brilliant architecture collective Assemble working with young people in Dundee and an exploration of how designers responded to the pandemic, underlining the importance of design to everyone’s lives.” 

Sophie McKinlay, Director of Programme at V&A Dundee, said: “Everyone at V&A Dundee is delighted to be preparing our remarkable museum to reopen once again, and we have all been working hard to welcome visitors back for a safe, enjoyable experience. 

“Mary Quant is a remarkable designer who did so much to revolutionise the fashion industry and to empower women to wear clothes that looked great and felt great, and it’s the perfect choice for our first major fashion exhibition. 

“Across the rest of the museum visitors will see more than they’ve ever seen before, with displays inside and outside the museum that explore creative responses to how the world has changed and how we hope it may change in the future.” 

Dundee City Council leader John Alexander said: “The reopening of V&A Dundee will be yet another important milestone in the city’s journey out of lockdown. 

“I am pleased that the Assemble partnership with Central Library will see local young people given the opportunity to get involved in an exciting design project that reaches out into the community. 

“I also hope that our local economy and businesses will be given a boost by visitors who come to the city because of the tremendous attractions of V&A Dundee and its Mary Quant exhibition.” 

Mary Quant designed clothes that made people feel good. She made quality designer fashion affordable through licensing her youthful and playful brand, creating dressmaking patterns, make-up and accessories that all showcased her iconic daisy logo. 

Mary Quant encouraged a new age of feminism, inspiring young women to rebel against the traditional clothing worn by their mothers and grandmothers. Her shop Bazaar opened in 1955, the year after World War Two food rationing ended, and her colourful designs were a reaction against the austerity and drabness of post-war London. 

Mary Quant is famous for popularising the miniskirt, but her designs offered many different versions of femininity and challenged the conventional gender stereotypes of post-war Britain. 

Key objects featured within the exhibition include the pioneering ‘Wet Collection’ PVC rainwear, a jute miniskirt, and designs that playfully subverted menswear at a time when women were still banned from wearing trousers in formal settings such as restaurants. 

The exhibition in Dundee will also feature the stories of women who made outfits from Mary Quant’s dressmaking patterns, gathered through V&A Dundee’s #SewQuant campaign, as well as a new film looking at contemporary female designers who, like Mary Quant, are forging their own way through today’s rapidly shifting fashion industry. 

Mary Quant was curated by Jenny Lister and Stephanie Wood of the V&A and shown at V&A South Kensington from 6 April 2019 to 16 February 2020.  

#QuantDundee  

#welcomeback

Image:  © PA Prints 2008

As Dundee begins to welcome visitors and residents back to the city centre, retailers and businesses will be selling reusable Sunny Dundee face coverings.

The Sunny Dundee campaign by Dundee - One City, Many Discoveries originally saw thousands of pairs of #SunnyDundee sunglasses given to visitors, locals, and businesses.

Now, a city-wide partnership led by UNESCO City of Design Dundee and supported by Halley Stevensons, local makers, and One City, Many Discoveries has produced a unique Sunny Dundee face covering.

The production of the face coverings has been supported by pre-orders from dozens of city businesses. The face coverings will also be sold to the public for £6.

When a member of the public buys a face covering, they will be contributing to another mask being made. These ‘Pay It Forward’ masks will be distributed for free via local community groups and food banks.

The locally designed and produced face coverings will be available from locations across the city, including Quirky Coo, Dock Street Studios, Maisie & Mac, and Birchwood Café & Emporium.

Dundee Council Leader, John Alexander said: “We want to welcome people back to the the city, but in a safe way.

“Work has already taken place to prepare public areas for increasing numbers of people with signs and distinctive Sunny Dundee signage being deployed to encourage people to queue safely and follow one-way pedestrian flows.

“The Sunny Dundee Sunglasses were a huge hit with residents and visitors alike and I’m sure people will enjoy these Sunny Dundee face coverings.

 “I’m delighted that the design and production has been carried out locally, and I would like to thank Halley Stevensons and Pamela Scott for their help in creating the masks.”

Annie Marrs, UNESCO City of Design Dundee said, ‘We know that getting used to wearing a face covering is challenging for many people. Through this project we wanted to support the city and our communities to make wearing masks a little easier. We also wanted to find a way to support local makers, many of whom have lost income due to the global pandemic. This initiative is a great way of doing both!’

The Sunny Dundee illustration printed on the masks is by Pamela Scott, a Dundee illustrator and printmaker, and gives a nod to the original, hugely popular Sunny Dundee sunglasses.

Halley Stevensons, the world's leading waxed cotton fabric innovators, who partnered on the project not only provided the cotton fabric, but also shared their expertise to get the project off the ground.   

These face coverings support people to adhere to government advice of wearing a cloth face covering when physical distancing is difficult to maintain, and in places where they are mandatory - such as public transport. 

Sunny Dundee face coverings are not approved or regulated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). They are a cloth face covering, made to a 3 fold pattern, with two-layers of quality cotton.  There is no opening to add a filter.

Even in such difficult times as these, Dundee continues to shine.

In the latest in a string of accolades, the city has been named among the Best Places to Live in the UK 2020 by the world-renowned Sunday Times.

It follows the same paper naming Dundee the Best Place to Live in Scotland in 2019.

Published just before the country went into lockdown as a result of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, the report highlights the £1bn waterfront regeneration, which is helping to breathe new life into the city. 

The article also gives a nod to Dundee’s burgeoning design culture - from “the city’s famous gamers (Grand Theft Auto was created in Dundee)” to fashion’s Hayley Scanlan “who has twice won young designer of the year.”

The authors go on the say that they love how Dundee is “forging ahead and forging communities” – strengths which stand the city in good stead during and beyond the current crisis.

The Sunday Times also noted that Dundee had much to offer in the hospitality sector – great bars, restaurants and tourist attractions – before they were forced to close due to the restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of the virus.

Visitors and locals alike will look forward to enjoying this vibrant offering once again once the restrictions are lifted.

Leader of Dundee City Council, John Alexander, said: “To have been named one of the best places to live in the UK by the Sunday Times is another tremendous accolade for Dundee.

“Reading this report reminds us just how far Dundee had come before the pandemic, and the strengths we have to build on in the weeks, months and years to come.”

The Eden Project is to begin work on a feasibility study for a proposed new project in Dundee.

Eden is working with Dundee City Council and the University of Dundee and the study is being supported by businesses and institutions in the area.

The proposal – provisionally known as Eden Project Scotland - is part of Eden’s portfolio of international projects which also includes developments in China, Australia, New Zealand and Costa Rica as well as UK projects including in Morecambe, Derry~Londonderry and Portland.

The feasibility study, which is due to commence in early June, will establish a suitable site for the project, begin developing content ideas and explore the potential for creating jobs and boosting the regional economy.

Like every Eden Project around the world, Eden Project Scotland will be transformational and regenerative with an overarching theme of humanity’s connection to the natural world.

The original Eden Project, located near St Austell in Cornwall, opened in March 2001 and boasts the world-famous geodesic Biomes, one of which houses the world’s biggest undercover rainforest. Eden has welcomed more than 22 million visitors since opening and has generated more than £2bn for the regional economy.

David Harland, Chief Executive of Eden Project International, said: “We are really excited to be working in Dundee. It is a vibrant city with big ambitions and we hope to be able to create something that encapsulates its unique appeal. The opening of the city’s V&A in 2018 was a bold statement of intent and we want to be part of the next wave, helping establish Dundee as a truly world-class destination.

“The city was traditionally known for its ‘jute, jam and journalism’, to which we would hope to add some joy, jubilation and, if not an actual jungle, at least the spirit that enabled us to build one under cover in an abandoned quarry in Cornwall.”

John Alexander, Dundee City Council leader, said: “We are delighted to be working with Eden Project International and our local and national partners on such an exciting collaboration.

“There’s a clear alignment between what Eden is known for – sustainability, education and a first-class visitor experience – and what we want to deliver here in Dundee.

“Bringing Eden Project Scotland to Dundee would not only mean securing an amazing asset for local people to enjoy, but also adding another world-class attraction to our future visitor offer.

“Tourism was a key pillar of the Dundee economy before the devastating events of the past few months, and it will be again.

“The vision, ambition and determination embodied in projects like such as Eden - and V&A Dundee before it - will be critical to creating jobs and prosperity as we as a city recover and rebuild.”

Professor David Maguire, Interim Principal & Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dundee, said, “Working with the Eden Project offers some exciting possibilities for the city and the University.

“We are looking forward to exploring the benefits this could bring to our research, teaching and community engagement. Having the Eden Project mentioned alongside V&A Dundee could further boost the city’s standing far and wide, and add to our attractiveness as a destination.”

Fergus Ewing, Tourism Secretary, said: “In these incredibly challenging times for tourism, business and the wider economy, it is encouraging to see potential new growth through the next steps towards Eden Project Scotland being taken.

“Dundee has a growing international reputation as a prestigious cultural and tourism destination and today’s announcement is incredibly welcome news for the city and wider region. 

“I have no doubt the project will play a key role in Dundee’s strategic economic recovery from Covid-19, providing many benefits and opportunities to secure jobs, increase investment and attract more visitors to the area.”

An award-winning young British artist has been chosen to provide the centre-piece of a key space at Dundee Waterfront.

Delivering the next phase of the project will be a fundamental part of the city’s economic recovery plan and the decision to award the contract to Lee Simmons allows detailed design and engineering work to take place.

Construction on the other elements of Waterfront Place will continue when the current restrictions are eased.

Lee Simmons has centred his design proposal on a sculpture in the form of a humpback whale that will act as a beacon within the new interactive play park at Waterfront Place.

His design and cost of £134,750 were judged to provide the best overall quality/price by a panel of experts led by Dundee City Council.

Alan Ross convener of the council’s city development committee said: “Looking at Lee’s proposal, and some of his previous work in London, shows not only what a talented and creative individual he is but also that someone with his track record wanted to be a part of the Waterfront redevelopment, demonstrates the massive buzz that it is creating across the country and beyond.

“This decision allows the more detailed design work to be undertaken so we are ready to get underway without delay, subject of course to the government advising that construction activity is safe.” 

Lee said: “I am delighted to have been offered my first commission in Scotland and excited by the idea of getting started when it’s possible.

“The natural form of a huge mammal created with modern materials in such an amazing setting is perfect for me because I love to bring together architecture, art and design and explore what blurring their boundaries looks and feels like.”

The council invited proposals from potential designers to develop and deliver a unique space within Waterfront Place to bring art, technology and play together to deliver a contemporary destination.

Chosen for the city’s historical connections to whaling, a key element of the play space is an original “sculptural structure” in the form of a whale, and seven innovative and ambitious entries to the design competition were judged on quality and cost.

As part of the selection process, a shortlist of four were invited to present to a panel chaired by Dundee City Council and including representatives of V&A Dundee, Abertay University, St Andrews University and Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design.

The humpback whale design will be the centrepiece of the space created in a size and scale that complements its surroundings, while accommodating both convincing aesthetic values and visual strength.

Formed in tubular sections that follow the contours of the creature, the structure will flow from the northern entrance of Waterfront Place with the tail arching towards the Tay to capture a sense of movement.

Visitors to the park will also enjoy a multi-sensory experience using both sound and light and exploring the use of an interactive canvas beneath the whale that can respond to users’ three dimensional movements.  

In line with the council’s procedures during the pandemic the contract was approved by the chief executive and executive director of city development in consultation with the committee’s convener, Labour Group Spokesperson, Conservative Group Spokesperson, Liberal Democrat Group Spokesperson, the Independent Member and the Lord Provost.

It will be published under the scheme of delegated powers and reported to the city development committee for information once the council returns to its normal business.

The council and its partners will work closely with the appointed design team to fully develop all workings drawings and design information required for tender purposes and a further tender report will be brought back to the city development committee to approve construction costs for the finalised design.

Last night, The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum  struck gold at the 2019/20 Scottish Thistle Awards National Final at Edinburgh International Conference Centre where they won Best Visitor Attraction.

The Scottish Thistle Awards, now in their 27th year, help shine the spotlight on individuals and businesses going above and beyond to create a destination and visitor experience worth talking about amongst our valuable tourism industry. They champion the very best of the Scottish tourism industry, celebrating innovation, success and excellence in the sector.

2019 saw almost 600 entries submitted, including more than 1,000 nominations from members of the public keen to give hotels, restaurants, B&Bs, visitor attractions and individuals the opportunity to earn the recognition they deserve from their own industry peers.

The museum saw off tough competition on the night from The Edinburgh Dungeon, Delgatie Castle Trust, Heads of Ayr Farm Park and Isle of Raasay Distillery to claim the prestigious prize.

The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum is a Victorian Gothic building, home to Dundee's museum collection spanning 400 million years and has been at the heart of art and culture in the City since 1867. Eight beautiful open gallery spaces house fascinating exhibitions of art, history and the environment, giving a fascinating insight into Dundee.

10 years ago The McManus, known locally as The Peoples Museum, experienced a £12 million restoration to create a dynamic visitor attraction which has become a key part of Dundee's cultural renaissance. It has since hosted Titian's masterpiece Diana and Actaeon with the National Galleries of Scotland and partnered V&A, Royal Collection, British Museum, National Museums of Scotland and Tate in major exhibitions as well as showing the best of Dundee's nationally significant collections. It was also the venue for Bash Street’s Back at The McMenace which celebrated the Beano’s 80th Anniversary in 2018.

Billy Gartley, Head of Cultural Services at Leisure & Culture Dundee said

"We are absolutely delighted to win this award as we have been working hard to make The McManus even more appealing to visitors. We are also excited to play our part in the region's tourism success and can't wait to welcome visitors from home and abroad to our beautiful galleries."