Whistler's famous portrait of his mother, Arrangement in Grey and Black, currently on display at the University of Glasgow's Hunterian Art Gallery, will be leaving Glasgow soon. Mrs Whistler is on view until 4 October, so if you have not seen her already, come along now! You can join in her 199th birthday celebrations on 27 September. A lively programme of events is planned at the Hunterian including children's workshops, a special free lecture by Dr Margaret MacDonald, and an evening concert in the University.

The painting has drawn record numbers of visitors to the Hunterian ﾖ up 70% for the same period last year. Susan Rice, Chief Executive of Lloyds TSB Scotland, sponsor of the Hunterian's Whistler 2003 programme, said, 'It's wonderful that this exhibition has brought such world-famous art to Scotland - the response from visitors has been tremendous.' Evelyn Silber, Director of the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, added, 'The Whistler 2003 city-wide centenary festival has brought many new visitors to Glasgow, and his Mother has definitely been the centrepiece of the celebrations. We hope as many people as possible will take this last opportunity to come and "Visit Mother".'

The Whistler Centenary celebrations continue throughout the city with ongoing exhibitions and events at the Hunterian, Glasgow School of Art, the Burrell Collection and elsewhere.

Whistler's Mother's Birthday Events:

Lecture: Influence to Icon, Saturday 27 September, 1.00pm ﾖ 1.45 pm , admission Free. A richly-illustrated lecture investigating Whistler's celebrated portrait of his mother; Arrangement in Grey and Black Number 1, with Whistler expert Margaret Macdonald.

The Big Birthday Bash, Saturday 27 September, 1.00 pm ﾖ 3.00 pm, no booking required, free. Drop-in session to design a birthday card for Whistler's Mother. An artist will be on hand to help.

Musical Reflections: A concert celebrating Whistler's centenary Saturday 27 September, 8.00 pm, Concert Hall University of Glasgow. Sandra Porter, mezzo soprano, and pianist Graeme McNaught, perform a programme of songs by Faur￩, Debussy, Rossini, Ravel and Vaughan Williams to settings of Baudelaire, Hugo and Rossetti amongst others. Bookings 0141 339 2708 Admission by programme at the door (£12/£10/£5) All concert-goers are invited to enjoy a free glass of wine and special late-viewing of the Whistler shows at the Hunterian Art Gallery on 27 September from 6.30pm to 7.45pm, to mark the date of Whistler's mother's 199th birthday.

Sunday 28 September ﾖ Family Day, a day of fun family activities.

Printing in Pairs, Sunday 28 Sept, 1pm ﾖ 2pm, £4 per session. Printing workshop for parent and child. Children MUST be accompanied by an adult.

The Ink Spot, Sunday 28 Sept, 2pm ﾖ 3pm, £4 per session. Art and Printmaking Workshop for 5 ﾖ 8 year olds.

Nocturnes and Harmonies, Sunday 28 Sept, 2pm ﾖ 3pm, No booking required. Live music hour in the Gallery.

Monday 29 September, Monday Madness. Fun art and craft activities for budding young artists.

Art Workshops, Monday 29 September, £4 per session, 10am ﾖ 12pm for 5 ﾖ 7 year olds, 1pm ﾖ 3pm for 8 ﾖ 12 year olds.

All workshops MUST be booked in advance unless otherwise stated. All materials are supplied. To book call 0141 330 2375.

For further information phone Tel 0141 330 3100 or 0141 330 2838 or visit Whistler.

Hunterian Art Gallery, University of Glasgow, 82 Hillhead Street, Glasgow G12 8QQ

Mon ﾖ Sat 9.30 ﾖ 5.00; Special Sunday opening 12.30 ﾖ 4.30 till 4 October

Admission free

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

For further press information phone Harriet Gastom Tel 0141 330 3310.

First published: 24 September 2003