Konrad Mägi show draws 37,000 visitors in London

More than 37,000 people visited a Konrad Mägi exhibition at Dulwich Picture Gallery in London, exceeding the gallery’s high expectations, director Jennifer Scott told ERR’s Ringvaade programme.

The show, which featured dozens of works by the Estonian artist, ran from late March to mid-July. Scott said almost all visitor feedback was positive, with the main criticism being that people wanted to see more of Mägi’s work.

Dulwich Picture Gallery, which is 200 years old and displays works by artists including Rembrandt and Rubens, also introduces British audiences to artists who are less well known in the UK.

Gallery patrons recently visited Estonia to learn more about its art. The group, whose members include businesspeople, retirees and collectors, contributes around 10,000 pounds a year to the gallery’s work. Their trip included Saaremaa, Kumu and Tartu.

Patron Janet Vitmayer, who is also director of the British Museum, said she particularly liked the portraits and modern art on display at Kumu. She also praised how the works were presented. Scott said the museum had impressed the visitors with its welcome, architecture and collection.

Art collector Enn Kunila said he hoped the Mägi exhibition would travel to other places, noting that previous exhibitions had led to further shows.