Burrell Collection visitor complains museum has 'nothing to do with Princess Diana or her butler'

A visitor to Glasgow’s Burrell Collection has said they were upset that the museum had “nothing to do with Paul Burrell or Princess Diana”.

William Burrell was a major collector of art and gifted his collection to the city. It ranges from tapestries to rare China and is housed in the award-winning building in the heart of Pollok Country Park.

Having undergone a major refurbishment, it reopened in March 2022 offering digital exhibits and interactive elements alongside a shop and well-stocked café for guests to enjoy.

However, one visitor was left “disappointed” after a tour around the attraction revealed that it was not a collection of items the late Princess Diana left to her former butler Paul Burrell.

Alongside a three star rating on review platform Trip Advisor, she wrote: “Came because we wanted to see the collection of letters, clothes, household items and jewellery the late Princess Diana gave and left her butler and ‘rock’ Paul Burrell.

“We are big Diana fans and were looking forward for an afternoon of royal magic.

“Just so others know – this museum has nothing to do with Lady Di and it is NOT Paul Burrell’s collection of her items.

“It’s a lovely venue and the tea was nice but it needs to clarify that it has nothing to do with Paul Burrell, Princess Diana or the Royal family so others aren’t disappointed like we were.”

A spokesperson for the museum responded to the review, clearing up the guest’s confusion – and even providing a link to the late Princess of Wales.

They replied: “Thank you for your review. We’re glad you still had a good time despite not living up to your expectations.

“As you mentioned, the Burrell Collection is not related to Paul Burrell or Princess Diana but rather is the collection of Glasgow shipping magnate Sir William Burrell and his wife Lady Constance Burrell, who donated their collection to the city of Glasgow in 1945.

“However, there is one connection to Princess Diana – our portrait of Elizabeth Wriothesley, Countess of Southampton, who is a direct ancestor of Princess Diana.

“You can find more information about this portrait by searching the painting ID number (35.672) on the Glasgow Museums Collections Navigator website.

“We hope to welcome you back to the Burrell Collection soon.”