Scotch Whisky: ‘From Grain to Glass’ to open at Mitchell Library – Friday 31 May – Wednesday 31 July 2013
An exhibition exploring the rich heritage of Scotland’s national drink will be on display in the main hall of Glasgow’s Mitchell Library from the end of May.
The Scotch Whisky: From Grain to Glass exhibition was created to mark the Centenary of the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), the industry trade body, in 2012.
The exhibition’s only previous outing was its display at The Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh for two months at the end of last year. When it comes to Glasgow, new exhibits will be added to be seen by the public for the first time.
The exhibition brings together an array of images and artefacts from several Scotch Whisky producers and enthusiasts. Many items on display have been stored in archives and personal collections until their inclusion in this exhibition. The display also tracks landmark events in the last 100 years which have shaped the SWA and the industry.
Scotch Whisky’s rich past is showcased, highlighting its position as an iconic Scottish product and demonstrating how vital Scotch Whisky is to the country’s economy and society. Scotch Whisky exports are worth around £4.3 billion a year and the industry directly employs more than 10,000 across Scotland, many in and around Glasgow.
Visitors will learn everything from how Scotch Whisky is made to how it is marketed and exported. The exhibition explains, through images and words, how the “What is Whisky?” debate of the early 20th century led to a Royal Commission report which helped establish the modern day Scotch Whisky industry.
Visitors will also find out why a full size model of a white horse and a papier mâché giraffe are on display at a Scotch Whisky exhibition.
Gavin Hewitt, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, said: “We are delighted to bring the exhibition of images and artefacts from across the Scotch Whisky industry to Glasgow for the first time. The spectacular main hall of the Mitchell Library, an historic building which has been part of life for Glaswegians for over a century, is a perfect setting for this display.
“For more than 100 years we have been committed to promoting and protecting Scotch Whisky. We hope as many people as possible will visit the Scotch Whisky: From Grain to Glass exhibition to find out more about the heritage of Scotland’s national drink.
“Visitors will find out exactly how Scotch Whisky is made and how marketing has changed through the decades. Everyone, from Scotch Whisky aficionados to novices will learn something new from the exhibition.”
Councillor Archie Graham, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Whisky is an essential part of our shared heritage so we are very much looking forward to welcoming the definitive story of our national drink and one of our most recognised international exports to the Mitchell Library.
“The exhibition will also feature items from Glasgow’s own collection alongside images and objects brought together by the Scotch Whisky Association for what is a unique insight into this global industry.”
