A MODERN-day Burrell has given a £1 million boost to the art collection which bears the philanthropist’s name.

Shipping tycoon Sir William Burrell gave around 9000 antiques, paintings and other treasures to the city of Glasgow in 1944.

Known as the Burrell Collection, the cache was housed in a purpose-built facility which is currently closed to allow for a massive overhaul.

Now modern-day collector Sir Angus Grossart has gifted £1m to the project.

The financier, who shares Burrell’s passion for art, is currently chair of Edinburgh merchant bank Noble Grossart and previously held key roles at the Fine Art Society and the National Galleries of Scotland. A former vice-chair of RBS, he also leads the Burrell Renaissance committee, which has already raised millions for the cause.

However, more cash is needed to realise its goals, which include extended gallery space over three floors, with visible stores and special exhibitions to allow more of Burrell’s items to be seen. The overall cost is estimated at £66m, up to half of which will come from the local authority.

Grossart said: “Sir William’s gift is an international flagship for Glasgow.

“The Burrell Collection now needs a real renaissance which will place the true significance of Sir William’s legacy and collection within the international league where it should be set. The challenge is highly ambitious, but what a privilege it is for our generation to be asked to rise to that call and to take forward this great inheritance.

“Glasgow has been defined by international aspirations and cultural reach. Sir William entrusted his life’s work to the city he called home. Mindful always of his wishes, we are seeking to secure much wider recognition of his vision and achievements. We still have £3m to raise and we hope more people will help us.”